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 III($61,000) was raised by a hard-working, dedicated Choctaw community through cookbook sales, annual Indian Taco dinners, carnivals, golf tournaments, 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 $610,000 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 was completed in October, 2009 adding a Sway Fun and EVOS climbing structure.
Phase IV will be constructed October 2011, thanks to a generous grant from Finish Line Youth Foundation. Click here for the video!
Phase V, at a cost of $100,000 will construct a toddler/preschool area. This play area will be developmentally appropriate for 2-5 year old children who are mastering gross motor skills and will help strengthen upper body muscles which influence the development of fine motor skills. This area will provide a variety of climbers and slides and will be accessible to children in walkers and wheelchairs.
DREAMCATCHER PLAYGROUND...Replacing barriers with smiles, laughter and play.