Builder donates to Unlimited Play
On June 25, Davis Street Land Co. donated $10,0000 to Unlimited Play, the nonprofit organization established by Blakemore that created Zachary's Playground in Lake Saint Louis. The playground, off Orf Road in Hawk Ridge Park, is designed to eliminate barriers to children who have developmental or physical disabilities. Davis Street's donation will be used to build a fence that will expand spatial and sensory needs for children with autism.
Zachary's Playground debuted in 2007 and was named for Zachary Blakemore, Natalie Blakemore's 7-year-old son. Zachary has a rare central nervous system disorder that makes it difficult for him to control his body movements, and he uses a wheelchair.Today, Zachary visits his park all the time, and visitors' cars often are lined up and down the street, Blakemore said Wednesday.
"It has become a playground that eliminates barriers that contribute to social isolation among children with physical and developmental disabilities," she said. "Seeing kids of all skill levels play together makes my heart smile."
The playground's features include a multi-story castle outfitted with ramps for wheelchairs; a Spider-Man rope web with seats below, so non-climbers can interact with climbers; a Swayfun boat swing large enough for a wheelchair to ride on; and slides that eliminate static electricity, which could damage cochlear implants in children who have hearing impairments.
Dave Freeburg, general manager of Davis Street Land Co., said the donation allowed his company to be engaged in the community and support a concept that creatively connects children of all abilities.
Davis Street is building The Meadows, a nearby lifestyle center scheduled to open Aug. 23.
