"Swing High" Accessible Playground Opening Ceremony

Mother and daughters dream comes true! Adaptive Adventures was invited to the opening ceremony for the “Swing High” universally accessible playground in Colorado Springs on May 22. 

 Abby Farrell (10) was born with Spina Bifida, and using a wheelchair has kept her away from most of her favorite playground. Not being able to play and spend time in her favorite park was not an option for Abby so 2 years ago she and her mom, Michelle Farrell, decided to take on the challenge and created an universally accessible playground by the beautiful Prospect Lake in Colorado Springs.  

In the beginning they had a very difficult time finding generous donors, but they were determined to make not only Abby’s dream come true but all the other kids who couldn’t use the park. Abby and Michelle "stuck together" and spoke to many, many people and organizations to find the funds.  Abby spoke at the opening ceremony and gathered close to 1 million dollars to finish the beautiful playground where anybody can play by themselves. “Abby is self-contained in that playground” said Michelle. “She doesn’t have to ask me to pick her up all the time.”  About 200 people gathered at the playground for the Opening Celebration including many children with disabilities who live near by, many of whom had never played together before.  We hope the playground will be filled with fun and laughter for a long time.  Abby has been a participant in our Stars of Tomorrow Youth Program and she has been skiing in a mono-ski for last 3 seasons. Congratulations! 

Click the thumbnail to see the full photo!