LAWTON — A vision shared by many became several steps closer to completion Saturday as supporters came out to Elmer Thomas Park.
The vision: a playground designed for children with autism, spinal issues, cerebral palsy and even children with zero mobility.
Scores of supporters attended Saturday’s walk around Elmer Thomas Park and helped raise funds for the Children United SWOK’s all-inclusive playground.
“The community and our local businesses have been really supportive,” said Children United SWOK’s Juli-Ann Chesko.
In October 2019, Chesko’s father, the late Joe Chesko, retold the story of a child in a wheelchair who was unable to play with other children during an event the year before. Weighing on his heart, the elder Chesko researched playground equipment for children with special needs and limited mobility issues.
“There are 2,700 students in the Lawton Public Schools and 1,300 families at Fort Sill who have members with special needs, but no one ever talks about where they go to play,” he told the Southwest Ledger in a 2019 interview.
During the walk, Children United committee member Barry Ezerski spoke about Joe’s vision and determination. “Joe talked to me not too long after he envisioned this and asked, ‘Do you think the community would get behind it and make it happen?’” said Ezerski. “I said ‘Absolutely!’ Joe took the bull by the horns and made it his mission.”
After COVID-19 claimed Joe’s life in May 2021, his daughter, friends and colleagues continued working on his vision. Plans for the playground include more than 60 specially designed pieces including a ground-level merry-go-round, slides and several types of swings that will be wheelchair accessible. atop a specialized rubber foundation.
In a phone interview, Children United SWOK committee member Jeanette Klein said the group didn’t realize the impact of Joe’s death.
“He was the voice, the visionary and the one who ran out and did all kinds of things,” Klein said.
Klein said sponsorships, fundraisers and matching funds have helped Children United purchase the main structure and several pieces of equipment. The organization is now in the second phase of fundraising to purchase the specialized rubber foundation and get the ground ready to erect the main frame.
“We’ve raised about $191,000,” she said. “We purchased the main frame and it’s stored at the armory.”
While community support remains strong, new challenges have arisen.
As public health concerns surrounding the pandemic stifled large gatherings, Children United SWOK’s Dancing for Children United fundraiser was rescheduled and later cancelled.
Ezerski told Southwest Ledger the remaining pieces will come with an increased cost. He and Klein estimate the entire project will carry a hefty $750,000-$800,000 price tag, an increase of approximately $250,000-$300,000.
Saturday’s walk, “Strive for $5 – Go for Joe” honored Children United SWOK’s founder and proved successful, according to Ms. Chesko.
“We collected $15,500 from our sponsors and the walk brought in another $5,200 through people walking, donating and buying t-shirts,” she said. “We’re just going to continue bringing in the money for the playground.”
The organization plans to host the walk again next year to continue raising funds for the playground, and Dancing for Children United SWOK is slated for April 2022.
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Children United SWOK is operating under the umbrella of the Lawton Enhancement Trust Authority, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations may be tax deductible. For donations or sponsorship opportunities for the all-inclusive playground, contact Children United SWOK at (580) 357-1200 or visit Children United SWOK on Facebook