MCLEAN, VA — After many months of hard work, a group of local moms reached their fundraising goal that will help to cover the costs of turning the McLean Central Park playground into a modern space for children of all ages to enjoy.
The group, known as the McLean Central Playground Team, raised $400,000 in a span of 10 months for the renovation of the playground.
The McLean Central Playground Team includes Cara Schantz, Jenny Gregory, Jessica Wu, Lacey Obry, Angie Golder, Sarah Farzayee and Rebecca Antzoulatos. “We come from diverse backgrounds, and converged with a common purpose,” Antzoulatos said.
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McLean Central Park, a 28-acre public park in McLean, will be undergoing a major renovation. Fairfax County parks was allocated enough funding only to cover 41 percent of the cost of the new combined playground concept.
That is why the McLean Central Playground Team came together to support the planning and fundraising for the playground renovations, working in partnership with the Fairfax County Park Authority and Fairfax County Park Foundation.
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READ ALSO: Donations Needed For Playground Renovations At McLean Central Park
Their fundraising efforts kicked off when Schantz posted on a local Facebook group seeking others who were interested in improving the playground at McLean Central Park. Each member of the group started sending emails, making phone calls, setting up meetings, mailing and dropping flyers door to door, and organizing fundraisers.
Many small donations helped significantly, especially as the campaign hit a lull in October and the end of year deadline approached, the team said.
“We never gave up, and were determined to raise every last dime to make this playground happen,” Obry said.
As a result of the successful fundraising effort, playground construction is scheduled to start in spring 2024. “We can’t wait to see the joy and excitement on the faces of children of all abilities and family and community members as they enjoy the renovated playground,” Gregory said.
Universal design was a fundamental principle for the playground, and some notable features will include an inclusive merry-go-round and adaptive tandem swing that enables children who require additional support to swing face-to-face with caregivers.
“Every playground should be accessible to children of all abilities, and we hope that the new McLean Central Playground underscores the importance of inclusion in all public spaces,” Golder said.
The team will be accepting donations until the second week of January, and any additional funds will be used to enhance the playground further. Donations are managed by the nonprofit Fairfax County Park Foundation.
Visit the playground initiative’s donation website if you wish to donate money to make the playground even more special.
RELATED: New McLean Central Park Development Concept Presented
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