Groundbreaking ceremonies were held Tuesday for a new playground for children with disabilities at the Rochester Rotary Sunshine Campus in Rush.
“Shirley's Playland” will be a fully accessible playground, something the campus hasn't had in the past, according to Patrick Stack, Rochester Rotary president.
“There's tons of other activities, but the accessibility to things like swings and teeter-totters and the like, we just did not have that capability until now," he said.
Playground amenities will include a slide and glider, a gravity cube, climbers, chin-up bars, towers, a sign language panel, fully matted floors accessible by wheelchair, and more.
“Shirley’s Playland” is named after Shirley Isaac, the late wife of former Rochester Rotary president Jim Isaac. Stack said she had a great love for kids and was always involved with the camp.
He said this playground will enhance the mission at the Rotary Sunshine Campus and should make a difference in the lives of the children there.
“It's what we've always tried to do here at the camp, is to make kids feel like they're normal children when they're here," he said.
The $350,000 project is expected to be completed in May and be ready for campers this summer.
Fundraising continues for the playground, and Stack said people can donate through the Rochester Rotary.
A formal dedication for Shirley's Playland will take place July 17 at the Sunshine Camp Carnival.
This story was produced by WXXI’s Inclusion Desk, focusing on disabilities and inclusion.