 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Playground Update
|
|
|
|
The Community Build for Phase Two of Ali’s Boundless Playground in Sertoma Park was completed on May 28, 2009.
Concrete and landscaping work is now being done and the playground should be complete by mid-June.
A community celebration and grand opneing is scheduled for August 19, 2009 at Sertoma Park.
You can support Ali’s Boundless Playground by making a tax-deductible contribution.
By mail
Send check or money order to: Ali’s Boundless Playground, PO Box 12420, Grand Forks ND 58201.
Online
Follow the link on the upper left corner of this page to make a secure donation through Paypal.
See who’s donated so far!
Click here for a list of donors.
|
|
|
How it Began......
|
|
|
|
It’s Ali Karpenko’s dream to have a community playground that is accessible to children with disabilities. With the support of her friends, family and various community organizations, she is working to raise $200,000 for a new Boundless Playground to be constructed in Grand Forks, ND in 2008.
Ali, age 14, was born with Spina Bifida. “I am very blessed, as I have a very mild case of it. Many of the problems I face are hidden to most, as I am very physically able. I did not begin the playground project for myself. I’m doing it for the kids like me who have a disability, but aren’t as lucky as I am.”
Boundless Playgrounds are tailor-made for the way children are naturally drawn to play. They are universally accessible so everyone can play side by side at his or her own highest level of ability.
The Grand Forks Park District has donated land in Sertoma Park and will assist in the construction and on-going maintenance of the playground. Two local organizations, Grand Forks Sertoma Club and The Arc, Upper Valley have teamed up to assist Ali in her marketing and fundraising efforts which will include soliciting donations from local residents and businesses. The project also has the support of Grand Forks Mayor Mike Brown.
“I think every kid should be able to have fun and feel like they belong,” says Ali. “It would be nice to have a place where kids with disabilities and their siblings could have fun together.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ali Karpenko and playground committee member Dave Braaten assemble the sail roof.
|
|
|
|
Ali Karpenko is interviewed by Kerri Drees of 97 KYCK FM.
|
|
|
|
Project Partners
|
|
|
|
The Arc, Upper Valley
Greater Grand Forks Sertoma Club
Grand Forks Park District
National Center for Boundless Playgrounds
|
|
