New playground offers boundless fun

By Ms. Rhonda Seward (Front Page)July 23, 2010

New playground offers boundless fun
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT LEE, Va. (July 22, 2010) -- Fort Lee youngsters, to include those with special needs, will soon have access to a newly built, 2,250-square-foot playground that features swings, slides, climbing ladders, ramps, balance beams and much more.

Located next to Memorial Chapel on Sisisky Boulevard, the "Boundless Playground" was funded by a $249,999 Army grant. The projected completion date of the project is Aug. 6, according to Charles Schiers, an architect with the Fort Lee Directorate of Public Works.

No expense was spared on the safety features of the new playground, Schiers said. Its base will be a poured-in-place polyurethane and rubber compound substance that protects little arms and legs from scrapes and bruises. A non-toxic, crushed wood fiber material under the swings will provide additional protection. Other accoutrements of the spacious structure include tubes, toad stools, decks and tunnels.

The idea of building an all-inclusive play area on the grounds of Memorial Chapel was credited to Col. Michael Morrow, U.S. Army Garrison, Fort Lee, commander.

"The playground will accommodate children with disabilities by eliminating barriers to play and is universally accessible so that each child can play side-by-side in an inclusive environment," read a project description posted on the Boundless Playground Web site.

Another benefit is the location, noted Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Charles R. Walker, deputy garrison chaplain. "The project will benefit children from various neighborhoods, youth services, family readiness groups, religious activities groups, and special needs kids," he said. "We are excited about this project because it services the military community and provides a place where families can be together."

That train of thought falls in line with a key goal of the Installation Management Campaign Plan, recently released by the Installation Management Command. It asks Army communities to create an environment where "Soldiers, Families and Civilians are confident that they are being cared for, and their physical, emotional and spiritual needs are being enriched by quality programs, infrastructure and support."

"I am committed to the Army Family Covenant promise and associated programs designed to mitigate the stress associated with military life and eight years of persistent conflict," wrote Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch, IMCOM commander, in a portion of the campaign plan. "Through the covenant, we will strive to provide consistent high quality services to meet the diverse needs of single Soldiers and Soldiers with Families; improve housing; expand educational and entertainment options; ensure excellence in schools, youth services and child care; and expand education, recreation and employment opportunities."

Combined with other recent additions to the Fort Lee community - like the newly opened Burger King and Popeye's restaurants, the 24-hour shoppette on the corner of Sisisky and A Avenue, and the Post Theater - the Boundless Playground is just one more example of the Army's efforts to build more than a state-of-the-art training base for military sustainers ... it is also creating a world-class community for military Families.

"We are very fortunate to have recreation options for our special needs children," said Judy Eoff, Fort Lee's Exceptional Family Member Program coordinator. "Not all installations have a boundless playground. I know it will be a hit with our military Families."