About Dreamcatcher Playground
Dreamcatcher Playground, located at 3rd and Harper in Choctaw, Oklahoma is a universally accessible playground, where barriers are erased and a safe, fun, educational environment for play and interaction is created for children and adults of all abilities. Initially, the intent of Dreamcatcher Playground was to meet the needs of children with disabilities on the school playground. As a result of research and planning, which began in October 1999, it became obvious that the need was greater than integrating children with disabilities during recess. The focus shifted to include all of the Oklahoma City area and beyond, and Dreamcatcher Playground became a school/community project. A 501(c)3 Public Charity was organized to raise funds that would provide a fun and safe place to play for children of all abilities and their families. Throughout 2000, significant time and attention were focused on designing a playground with maximum accessibility, play value, durability, and safety. Great care was given to allow wheelchair access to the entire play structures and surrounding areas, and to provide transfer stations for those wishing to leave their wheelchairs behind and climb onto the structure, making the numerous slides useable for all. Arkoma Playgrounds, representing Landscape Structures, Inc. was selected to provide design and equipment. Our “dream” was officially launched February 2001 and fund-raising was initiated.
The money for Phase I($108,625), Phase II($80,301) and Phase III( $50,000) was raised by a hard-working, dedicated Choctaw community through cookbook sales, annual Indian Taco dinners, carnivals, golf tournaments, small grants, brick sales, etc. This project touched the hearts of many, as public, private, and faith-based organizations from Choctaw as well as surrounding communities came together to make the initial phases a reality. Phase I of this $590,000 playground/park was constructed by a community of 300 volunteers in October 2004. This phase provided a school aged structure with a variety of slides, climbers, monkey bars, panels, bridges, spinners and a space net climber. Phase II was completed in September 2006, adding two banks of swings, a basketball court, sidewalks and sod, resurfacing the concrete play area with asphalt, and addressing drainage issues. Phase III will be constructed October 5th through the 7th.
We are currently raising money for Phase IV We currently have the following two options depending on funds available. OPTION #1 would double the current school aged structure, for $150,000. This expansion will allow children in wheelchairs and walkers to enter the structure on one side and exit on the opposite side of the playground. Option #1 will provide an endless variety of play experiences as children with disabilities play along side with their able-bodied peers. Option #2 would construct a preschool structure, at a cost of $85,000. This structure will be developmentally appropriate for 3-5 year old children who are mastering gross motor skills and will help strengthen upper body muscles which factor into the development of fine motor skills. It will provide a variety of climbers and slides and will be accessible to children in wheelchairs and walkers.
Option 1 Playground Design for $150,000.
Option 2 Playground Design for $85,000.
Our hope in this endeavor is to erase barriers. Most playgrounds do have barriers. There are barriers to children in wheelchairs, children with visual impairments, children who have difficulty pushing a walker through the pebbles and on uneven surfaces, barriers to a disabled parent or grandparent who want to share a beautiful day with children or grandchildren, and barriers to families who have one child who wants to run fast and climb high and one who can only sit and watch and dream. Not only will Dreamcatcher Playground promote physical, social, and emotional development in children of all abilities, but will provide a stimulating, challenging, barrier-free playground where children, families, and community can celebrate life.
DREAMCATCHER PLAYGROUND...Replacing barriers with smiles, laughter and play.