From Dream to Dirt: Mequon’s Inclusive Playground Breaks Ground

MEQUON, Wis. – On a gorgeous Sunday, November 1, Rotarians from the Thiensville-Mequon and Mequon-Thiensville Sunrise Rotary Clubs joined community leaders and neighbors to turn the first shovels of dirt on Mequon’s first inclusive playground. It will be a place where people of all ages and all abilities can play, connect, and belong.

Mequon Mayor Andy Nerbun, Thiensville Village President John Rosing, and project co-chairs Dr. Sandy Custer and Dr. Jenne Hohn shared remarks. Guests celebrated with treats from Rotarian Ellen MacFarlane.

"Playgrounds are a vital part of a community’s social infrastructure; they are a place we can gather across generations.  A place where children can play safely.  Every child deserves a place where they can be a superhero, a sports champion or a soaring bird.  A place where friendships can form and confidence can grow. The Rotary All-User Playground is about the best of our community.  It is where we have come together as a community: service organizations, foundations, businesses, individuals and municipalities.  It is a gift to our community from our community.” -Project co-chair Lynn Streeter

This groundbreaking is more than the start of construction. It shows what happens when a community comes together, and it’s the Rotary spirit of Service Above Self in action. The playground is a legacy project that will be a jewel in our community.

The momentum:

• $3.4 million raised in just one year
• $600,000 left to raise
• One year to build. Much of the equipment is custom-made for this project.
  • The equipment is being manufactured for us in Minneapolis by Gerber Leisure. Co-chair Hohn will visit the factory in November to supervise construction.

Learn more -> mequonrotarypark.com

Get involved:

• Donate online: mequonrotarypark.com/donate
• Sponsor a Leaf: mequonrotarypark.com/leaf
• Explore naming opportunities for playground elements through the contact form on the website
• Follow the project on Facebook and share it with friends, family, and neighbors

Together, we can accomplish so much!

Questions on this article or how you can help? Contact Jenne Hohn, 707-337-3490, mequonrotarypark.com.