Stranahan Parent Teacher Association President Tara Haye and members of her organization had a very happy holiday season. They received an anonymous donation of $100,000 for the community inclusive and accessible playground project they launched last year.
Approximately $800,000 is needed for the project. “We have been raising funds through various fundraising events including dances, spring and fall flower sales, chocolate bar sales, canvas painting, and general donations, and we had about $50,000 when we received this wonderful gift.  This really demonstrates support from the community and will serve as encouragement to other supporters. We appreciate this donation and are humbled by the donor’s generosity,” she acknowledged.
According to Haye, the PTA organization was inspired by the parks developed by the Wood County Plays organization. “Members of Wood County Plays have been a great resource to us. We are grateful for their guidance,” Haye said.
This playground will provide a space so that both typically developing children and children with special needs have a place to play alongside one another. Plans call for the playground to be located on the Stranahan school grounds but it will be accessible to the community. The playground will address physical accessibility as well as sensory, emotional, and cognitive accessibility.
“The disabled community, especially disabled children and their families, are faced with daily challenges that typically developing children do not have to face. Socialization through play is often taken for granted. Play fosters social, emotional, and physical development. When children have the opportunity to participate in play alongside their peers, they grow, they develop, they find joy. An accessible playground will inspire friendships, promote kindness and diversity and encourage inclusively,” Haye said.
The Stranahan Elementary Parent Teacher Association of Sylvania was organized in 1990 and is a registered 501(c)3 public nonprofit. As a PTA, the team is composed of volunteers who dedicate their time to improve the welfare of children. Haye noted that she and eight PTA members have been the core group moving this project forward. “And we have had lots of help and support from parents and many small business owners who continue to participate in fundraising activities,” she stated.
She and her team encourage members of the community to consider making donations to Stranahan Elementary PTA via check or electronically via Venmo, PayPal or sites.google.com/view/stranahan-pta-inclusive-play/home using the QR codes, also shown below.
For more information, email StranahanPTO@gmail.com.