Sometimes, it takes a fresh perspective to notice what’s missing. That’s exactly what happened when Ollie Robertson, a member of the Ivins Youth Council, realized that our community doesn’t have an ADA-accessible swing set. This inspired the Youth Council to take action and advocate for every child in Ivins to have the opportunity to enjoy Unity Park.
With the support of Marc Christensen, the City’s Director of Parks & Recreation, we’ve identified a grant opportunity to make this vision a reality. The ADA-accessible swing set will cost approximately $15,000, and additional funds will be needed for rubber surfacing and shade structures to complete the project.
If the grant application is approved, it will cover 80% of the cost, leaving $3,000 to $6,000 for the Youth Council to raise. It’s a “heavy lift” for our Youth Council, but they are full of ideas and energy. Let’s see what creative solution they come up with. The Youth Council, working with the Parks & Recreation Department, will put their plan together in December, finalize costs, and start the grant application process in January.
Kudos to our Youth Council for championing a project that will have a lasting impact on our community by creating a space where children of all abilities can play, connect, and thrive. Their vision of fostering inclusivity and ensuring every child feels welcome and valued is both inspiring and ambitious. It’s a challenge they’ve embraced with determination and creativity, setting an example for us all.
