Good News: Clayton to build an inclusive playground

Many parents look forward to guiding their little one across the monkey bars or coaxing them down a spiral slide for the first time, but there are firsts that many miss out on, too.

"You know, it really broke my heart when I started talking to parents that when they have children with special needs, that they avoid playgrounds," said Dean Penny, with the Clayton Recreational Foundation.

The feeling of exclusion for families with a special needs child was the inspiration for the Harmony Playground. It was designed to include children with special needs and disabilities.

Sidewalks, for example, are on different elevations to allow someone with a wheelchair to get to the lower level.

The plan is to transform a plot of land at East Clayton Community park into the playground.

Area businesses are buying into the idea and helping raise the funds. They're about halfway to their $800,000 goal.

"I think we'll probably be crying just for that we've put it to it and because of those who said it can't be done," said Derrick Thompson, with Creative Group.

Construction for the playground is to break ground in 2019.