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Amazing Things Can Happen When the Community Comes Together!

May 31, 2017
This is an thrilling time for kids and families in Kitsap County! Groups of individuals in Bremerton and on Bainbridge, committed to promoting playgrounds that individuals of all ages and all abilities can enjoy, are excited about milestones for two new local playspaces. One is completed and ready for play, and another is breaking ground.
   There will be an official Grand Opening of the new Beyond Accessible Playground at Evergreen Rotary Park (located at 1400 Park Ave.) in Bremerton from 10am to 2 pm on Saturday, Sept. 13. The public is invited to stop by and help celebrate. The Beyond Accessible Playground Grand Opening and Community Resource Fair will include a ribbon cutting and playground dedication at 11 am. Booths and activities will be available from 10-2.
   For the last three and half years, dozens of individuals have given of their time and talents to advocate for, plan, fundraise, and build this amazing new playground. Organizers thank all volunteers, supporters and partners including parents, educators and community members who spent countless hours, abundant donations, working together with City of Bremerton Parks and Recreation to create accessible and inclusive play areas for children of all abilities and ages and make this dream come true for over 3,500 children with special needs living in our community.
   Bremerton's Beyond Accessible Playground is Kitsap County's first playground for ALL abilities, and Owen's Playground is on track to be the second!
   The public is invited to a Ground Breaking Ceremony for Owen's Playground at Rotary Park (969 Weaver Rd. between High School Rd. and Wyatt) on Bainbridge Island at 4pm on Saturday, Sept. 20. The Painted Zebra will be there painting faces, and there will be kid's activities and information on the future of the playground. Free!
   It's a great opportunity to come together, have fun, and show support for this project, in honor of a little boy who left the world much too soon but who lived a life full of strength and love. Learn more about sweet little Owen in an article we published about him in January.
   The groundbreaking is the official start of Phase 1 that includes swings and resurfacing. The end goal is for Owen’s Playground at Rotary Park to enhance the existing playground/play space through improved design, accessibility and quality play elements and a focus on multi-sensory play, and expand opportunities for outdoor play/recreation for all ages and all abilities by prioritizing universal access.
   The evening of Sept. 20, there is a Celebration/Fundraiser starting at 6pm at the Dayaalu Center on Bainbridge. Enjoy a farm-fresh dinner, music and dancing in celebration and support of Owen's Playground! It is a family-friendly event. All ages and all abilities are welcome. Tickets are $40 each and support fundraising efforts. Purchase tickets online here.