Crowdfunding campaign launched for the ‘Wabash Inclusive Playground’ project

INDIANAPOLIS – Wabash will soon have a new outdoor fully-inclusive playground, thanks to a recently launched crowdfunding campaign. The campaign, sponsored by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) through their CreatINg Places program and offered through the crowdfunding platform developed by Patronicity, is being run by a committee of local residents, in partnership with the Community Foundation of Wabash County.

“All Hoosiers deserve the same opportunities, regardless of background, economic status, or physical and intellectual challenges,” said Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch, who serves as board chair of IHCDA. “There are more than 100,000 Hoosiers that have an intellectual or developmental disability. This playground ensures that all individuals can enjoy it.”

If the campaign reaches its $50,000 goal by March 29, 2018, the ‘Wabash Inclusive Playground’ will receive a matching grant of $50,000 from IHCDA’s CreatINg Places program.

Click here for project details and to donate.

The funding raised during this campaign will allow the project committee to construct a custom-designed playground in the heart of downtown Wabash. The playground is one of Wabash’s Stellar Communities projects, and features a unique design with various options for play all built into a low hillside, with a rubberized surface for safety. All of the playground features were carefully selected to encourage a variety of experiences, from swinging to spinning, sliding to climbing.

“The Wabash Inclusive Playground will be so much more than a playground, explains the committee for the Wabash Inclusive Playground. “This custom designed space will allow people of all ages and all abilities to be a part of the playground experience together. This intentional togetherness will help change the face of our community by fostering friendships, making memories, and changing lives. Our committee greatly appreciates the matching opportunity offered by the IHCDA to help us reach our fundraising goal to make the dream of inclusive play a reality!”

Since the CreatINg Places program began in 2016, projects have raised in excess of $1,140,000 in public funds and an additional $900,000 in matching IHCDA funds.

The CreatINg Places program is available to projects located in Indiana communities. Non-profit entities (with 501c3 or 501c4 status) and Local Units of Government are eligible to apply.

Eligible projects must have a minimum total development cost of $10,000, where the recipient will receive $5,000 in IHCDA matching funds should they successfully raise $5,000 through Patronicity. IHCDA will provide matching grant funds up to $50,000 per project.