By Chris Paul
The Funway Park Playground area at the LAFA Complex on Sargent Road recently had three pieces of Sensory Equipment added, in large part, through the efforts of resident mom, Katie Keeley, and her fundraising efforts over the past few years.
Keeley, the mother of twin boys with autism, saw a need for the equipment after visiting the park and seeing a need to accommodate those with special needs.
She soon realized what a major undertaking it would be after pricing the equipment and seeing just how expensive it was.
Keeley was able to raise nearly $30,000 for three pieces of equipment; a wheel chair accessible merry-go-round “spinner”; drums with chimes; and an adaptive swing were delivered and installed just before Old Home Day.
Donations came from a number of different sources: The Londonderry Lions Club, Londonderry Police Association, Reeds Ferry Sheds, Pro Image Painting, the Women’s Club of Londonderry, Special Olympics, North School, Moosehill teachers, Tierpoint Disaster Recovery Solutions, Londonderry Athletic Field Association, Millennium Running, Families of the Mill Pond Neighborhood and many other families, neighbors and friends including the Yarrington Family and the Patel Family.
Keeley is also looking into a shade for the playground, but has no immediate plans for that. She’s also hoping to do a volunteer clean up day, but hasn’t had time to make plans for that yet.