By MIKE CAPUTO
David Weingarten, executive director of Let All the Children Play, is working with the Nassau County Department of Parks to begin construction on a 2-acre, $2 million universal playground in Eisenhower Park by 2009.
The playground would be handicapped-accessible, but intends to be all-inclusive and geared toward all children.
"The ultimate goal is to bring inclusive programs that will bring typical children and children with special needs together in a play environment," Weingarten said.
A universal playground in Israel inspired Weingarten's concept. Michael Aron, the founder of Let All the Children Play, raised funds for that playground in Ra'anana, Israel.
When Weingarten took over the reins for the Cedarhurst-based non-profit organization, he envisioned a similar model for children in Nassau County. Nassau sorely lacks all-inclusive playgrounds, said Weingarten, who noted that Cedarhurst Park has one of only two in the entire county.
"Although we are building this in the jewel, the center of Nassau County, the goal down the road is to get this thing built to also develop other accessible play programs or sites so other areas of Nassau County could be appropriately accessible," Weingarten said.
He emphasized that the area will be more than a "backyard playground," it will be an all-inclusive center for all children to walk up and play and to participate in organized activities. It's ideal location adjacent to Eisenhower Park's parking field No. 4 would make it easier for disabled parents, grandparents and guardians to bring their children to the park.
According to Jose Lopez, commissioner of the Nassau County Department of Parks and Recreation, the universal play area would replace an old playground that he said needs "refurbishing."
"I think it was appropriate we are replace it with an all-inclusive playground," Lopez said.
Weingarten approached Lopez about the idea more than a year ago, and requested Eisenhower Park for its central location in East Meadow. Like Weingarten, Lopez suggested that the park would serve as a model for future universal playgrounds in the county.
"There is no doubt in my mind," Lopez said of the potential to expand in the future. "Because it is all inclusive and it leaves no one out, I believe it to be a home run it is a win-win situation for everyone included so it doesn't exclude anyone.
"It is going to cover every child that you could imagine so we are pretty excited about it," the commissioner added.
Before a shovel hits the ground, there is still work to do. According to Weingarten, between 50 and 60 percent of the funds needed to start the project have been raised primarily through government grants, foundations and individual corporations. To reach the organization's goal, Weingarten has launched a campaign that he said would be in full gear this fall, when he plans to hold several fundraisers.
The playground plans include features such as ramps, sensory rich activities, themed areas and adapted swings, along with accessible parking, washroom facilities, pathways and seating. There are also plans for a welcome center, preschool and sound garden, he said. Its unique two-acre size makes it more than a "backyard playground," Weingarten said.
"It really does have a greater offer to Nassau County's entire 1.3 million population because we are focusing the playground equipment about kids with special needs but is going to be for everybody going to bring typical kids and special needs kid together," he said.
Weingarten, who grew up in Woodmere and lived with his family in Oceanside for 25 years before moving to Atlantic Beach a few years ago, became an advocate for children with special needs after his son, Adam, 23, was diagnosed with Down Syndrome. In addition to serving on numerous boards for non-profit organizations, he guides families with special needs through the estate-planning process.
For more information on Let All the Children Play, or to make a donation, call (516) 569-0648 or visit the Web site at www.latcp.org.
