Wheelchair Swing Project
After realizing that our city parks did not have wheelchair swings, I wanted to find a way to get these swings for our parks. In an effort to make this a community project, I thought of asking civic groups for donations.
I contacted Ken Vidrine, Supervisor of Parks and Recreation. Ken gave me his full support. I then started contacting civic groups and telling them of my plans. After receiving pledges from some civic groups, I presented my idea to the Opelousas (Louisiana) Park and Recreation Commission. The Commission approved my project, and then it went to the Opelousas City Council. By that time, I had received money or pledges totaling $1600. The City Council not only approved my project, but they also agreed to match the $1600 so that other equipment for children with disabilities could be placed in our city parks! A total of $4800 has been raised for this project.
The financial support and/or approval of all involved show the willing and generous spirit that Opelousas has. They all made this project possible.
Hopefully, other area cities that do not have wheelchair swings in their parks will look at what the Opelousas community has done and follow our lead and provide these swings for their parks.
In addition to thanking the financial contributors, I have to also thank the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Opelousas City Council, Mayor Mike Thibodeaux, and the Opelousas Daily World for their coverage. Special thanks go to Ken Vidrine for his support.
I looked forward to the day that the swings were installed and the children were able to use them. The children need no words because the smile on their faces say it all.
A dedication ceremony for the wheelchair swings and other handicapped accessible equipment was held on Saturday, January 30, 1999 at 10:00 a.m at South City Park in Opelousas.