CHIMACUM — A fundraising effort for the first all-accessible playground in Jefferson County is growing.
The small group of volunteers, led by physical therapist and board President Sarah Grossman, has raised about 20 percent of its $300,000 goal for the Jefferson Universal Movement Playground (JUMP), which has county support to be built at HJ Carroll Park.
The playground — which would be accessible for all children, including those with disabilities — has been in the works for three years and has raised about $61,000 since July 2017, when the group partnered with the Mike Beery Memorial Children’s Fund, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
“The existing playground at HJ Carroll is really kind of sad,” Grossman said. “It’s such a deficient playground with a limited budget, and it’s not even visible from the parking lot.
“Ours will be so visible. It’ll be right there.”
The park, located at 9884 Rhody Drive, is a few blocks north of Chimacum Schools.
Grossman originally wanted to have the playground located at Chimacum preschool because of three students who were unable to walk. But the group sought a larger impact and received county approval about two years ago.
Since then, the all-volunteer effort has made presentations to civic clubs and the business community, hosted events such as a benefit concert Friday night at Salish Coast Elementary — which drew between 250 and 300 people and raised $3,135, organizers said — and they have their sights set on grants.
The permitting process won’t begin until funding is fully secured, Grossman said.
Matt Tyler, the county’s parks and recreation manager, said JUMP would greatly benefit HJ Carroll Park.
“The [existing] equipment there is good, high-quality and very safe, but it’s somewhat standard and somewhat basic,” he said. “The playground industry has progressed since the park was built in 2002.
“Our community has grown, park use has increased and we need more playground space.”
Plans are into a third option with vendors GameTime of Alabama and SITELines of Everett.
“It will be the only playground in the county that offers all the variety of some play features that are fun,” Grossman said. “There are spinning, sliding, climbing and other sensory-type things.
“It really captures all the fun things kids want to play on and need for their physical development.”
Grossman said the closest parks similar to her group’s project are in Port Angeles, Bainbridge Island or Bremerton.
About 7 percent of children younger than 18 have a variety of disability, Grossman said.
Accessibility features include recycled rubber tiles around the base of the equipment, and ramps that will lead to different activities.
“It’s something every park user will enjoy,” Tyler said.
Grossman added it also will benefit parents or grandparents with mobility issues.
“There’s a bench inside the area, so caregivers can be in there with their kids,” she said. “And a mom with a stroller can wheel all around.”
The group currently is researching a possible application for a grant in next year’s cycle through the state Recreation and Conservation Office.
Volunteers can learn more or donate at www.jumpplayground.org.
“I can’t imagine a better project to support, given it’s the busiest park in the county, maintained and well-used,” Tyler said. “This would be great for upwards of 25 to 30 years. It’s a great investment.”
________
Jefferson County Managing Editor Brian McLean can be reached at 360-385-2335, ext. 6, or at bmclean@peninsuladailynews.com.
