City of Holts Summit Partners with Callaway County Special Services to Build Inclusive Park
Holts Summit, Missouri, 7/10/2024 – The City of Holts Summit is proud to announce a significant new partnership with Callaway County Special Services to build an inclusive park that will set a new standard for accessibility and enjoyment in our community. This collaborative effort aims to transform the city's current ADA park into a state-of-the-art inclusive park, ensuring that children of all abilities can play, learn, and grow together.
The City of Holts Summit is pledging $150,000 towards this transformative project, while Callaway County Special Services is contributing $75,000. This combined investment of $225,000 will fund essential renovations and enhancements to create a welcoming and safe environment for everyone.
Key features of the renovated park will include:
•Poured-in-Place Rubber Surface
A durable and safe surface that provides excellent shock absorption and accessibility for wheelchairs and mobility devices.
•Inclusive Playground Equipment
New, innovative equipment designed to be fun and engaging for children of all abilities, promoting inclusive play and interaction.
•Shade Area with Benches
A comfortable space for parents and caregivers to relax while keeping an eye on their children.
•Safety Fence
A new fence will be installed to ensure the safety and security of all park visitors.
“We are thrilled to partner with Callaway County Special Services on this important project,” said Brandon Ruediger, City Administrator of Holts Summit. “Our goal is to create a park where every child and adult feels included and valued, and where families can come together to enjoy the outdoors in a safe, welcoming environment. This new park will not just be for one particular age group or groups of individuals. It is being designed to supplement the existing parks equipment with the idea that ALL ages and groups of individuals will be able to come to Hibernia Park and enjoy the outdoors. We are trying to be very cognizant in the equipment that is chosen so that there will be something for all ages to enjoy!”
This initiative underscores the City of Holts Summit’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all residents by investing in accessible and inclusive recreational spaces. The collaboration with Callaway County Special Services is a testament to the power of community partnerships in making a meaningful difference.
Callaway County Special Services is honored to contribute to this transformative project," said Mike Lederle, Executive Director of Callaway County Special Services. "Our mission has always been to empower and enrich the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. By partnering with the City of Holts Summit, we are taking a significant step towards creating a more inclusive community where everyone, regardless of ability, can enjoy and benefit from accessible recreational spaces. This park will be a beacon of inclusivity and a model for other communities to follow."
Both the City of Holts Summit and Callaway County Special Services look forward to seeing this project come to life and to the positive impact it will have on our community. Follow us on Facebook and our website for updates and the announcement of the groundbreaking ceremony.
About City of Holts Summit:
The City of Holts Summit is dedicated to fostering a vibrant, inclusive community by providing high-quality services and facilities to its residents. More information can be found about the City of Holts Summit on their website at https://www.holtssummit.org/.
About Callaway County Special Services:
Callaway County Special Services’ mission is the commitment to the integration of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities into the community through programs, services, information and collaboration. More information can be found about Callaway County Special Services on their website at https://callawaycountyspecialservices.org/.