Celebrating inclusive play for all: Our support for Everyone’s Playground

Located in the heart of Selinsgrove Pennsylvania, Everyone’s Playground is a symbol of inclusivity and togetherness. Established in 2019, the playground was created to accommodate children and others with special needs, disabilities, and other challenging conditions. It’s a place where children of all abilities can play, learn, and grow side by side. The park’s design and mission have been centered around ensuring that no child feels left out, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities.

The final phase of Everyone’s Playground is the addition of an ADA-compliant Comfort Station. This changing area and restroom facility will accommodate individuals and their caregivers with the latest personal needs and sanitary equipment, while insuring complete privacy. After two years of fundraising, the Comfort Station is finally complete, supported by a contribution from Lightsource bp.

“Everyone’s Playground is the epitome of an all inclusive safe play space recreation area for kids like [my daughter] Nola,” said one parent, Kelli Flock Byrne, in a testimonial. “Literally, from the ground up, it is designed to make sure that individuals of all abilities can play and be active.”

The Comfort Station location is within steps of Everyone’s Playground, a picnic pavilion, fresh drinking water, and comfortable “Buddy Benches” snuggled among a grove of beautiful shade trees.  Three of Lightsource bp’s Cottontail Solar project sites, in Snyder and Columbia counties, are all within an hour or less drive of Everyone’s Playground.

Lightsource bp joined community members, local officials and the Andy Russel Charitable Foundation at a ribbon cutting event for the Comfort Station on October 28th, 2023. After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the festivities continued with a “Kid’s Picnic,” attended by more than 200 children and family members. Complete with food, games, a petting zoo and more, the fun-filled afternoon was an opportunity for children of all abilities to come together and enjoy a day of play and connection.

This contribution underscores Lightsource bp’s dedication to inclusivity and community, creating an accessible space for families living near our solar farms. Everyone’s Playground isn’t just a park; it’s a reflection of the belief that every child deserves a place to play and thrive. The addition of the Comfort Station symbolizes a future where more communities can create inclusive spaces for everyone.