KITSAP NON-PROFIT OF THE MONTH: Play for All at Raab Park

Macaroni Kid Kitsap's Non-Profit Organization of the Month: 
Play for All at Raab Park

Parents understand the importance of play for getting the wiggles out, but science has shown that play—especially social play, at a playground—gives our kids a critical boost in skills, fitness, and pure joy. 

Play helps children develop complex language skills, symbolic thinking, motor skills development, and social skills. Vestibular movements like swinging, spinning, and bouncing help our nervous systems stay organized and balanced.  These movements create a sense of calm and focus that can last for up to 12 hours and are especially critical for those with neurological impairments.

Play for All is a community group that’s working to bring new playground equipment to Raab Park in Poulsbo. This new equipment will be fully inclusive, meaning that it can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of ability. The equipment pieces will be similar to what you find at extremely popular Kitsap playgrounds like Evergreen Park in Bremerton and Owen’s Playground on Bainbridge Island. 

Raab Park already has a small playground that is not ADA compliant. The goal of this project is to incorporate the existing play structures into the new design. No play equipment will be removed, but 7 - 9 new pieces of equipment and a number of sensory experience stations will be added, all of which are designed to accommodate physical disabilities and provide a sensory-rich experience.  Overall, the footprint of the playground will expand by about 9,000 square feet. 

The new playground will feature a soft, padded premium synthetic surface, wheelchair-accessible ramps, and specially designed, customized equipment. The sensory garden will be full of things to smell and touch, and experience stations will reinforce classroom learning and provide opportunities to broaden understanding through hands-on exploration.

You can be a part of the new playground!

Play for All welcomes donations of any amount. If you’re able to donate at the $250, $500, or $1,000 level, you can inscribe one of our charming metal plaques that will be imbedded in the playground’s pathways. What a great way to make your mark on the park!