Lawton Enhancement extends its support to Children United SWOK for an all-inclusive playground project

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LAWTON - Children United Southwest Oklahoma and Lawton Enhancement Trust Authority met Tuesday, Oct. 15, to give updates on the proposed all-inclusive playground.

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  • Children United Southwest Oklahoma founder Joe Chesko and Lawton Enhancement Trust Authority’s Barry Ezerski gave updates on plans to build an all-inclusive playground for children with special needs. Pictured left to right are: Mike Erwin, Heather Harp, Juli-Ann Chesko, Robert Baba IV, Joe Chesko, Cindy Chesko, Matthew Erwin and Al Komesheck.
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LAWTON - Children United Southwest Oklahoma and Lawton Enhancement Trust Authority met Tuesday, Oct. 15, to give updates on the proposed all-inclusive playground.

Children United founder Joe Chesko retold the story of a child in a wheelchair who was unable to play with other children during a 2018 event. Weighing on his heart, he researched playground equipment for children with special needs and limited mobility. 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, said Chesko. Originally planned for two wheelchair swings, Chesko’s idea has evolved into an all-inclusive playground that would allow children with autism, spinal issues, cerebral palsy – even children with zero mobility – a place to play and socialize, he added.

When he spoke with Heartland Parks and Recreation of Oklahoma City, the company said the $259,000 main structure was available at half price and Heartland offered free shipping through Oct. 25 – saving the project more than $143,000. About $60,000 short, Chesko then reached out to LETA’s Barry Ezerski to see what could be done. “When Joe approached us, he told us that there was a chance to get this for half price, but we had to do it now,” said Ezerski. “LETA found some extra funding, so we’re going to give – basically, an interest-free loan – to Children’s United to fund the rest of this playground structure.” “This isn’t just for Lawton-Fort Sill; this is for our surrounding communities as well,” added Chesko.

The proposed location of the $500,000 all-inclusive playground will be Lake Elmer Thomas Recreational Area. More than 60 specially designed pieces of playground equipment are planned for the playground. Those include a ground-level wheelchair accessible merry-go-round, slides and several types of swings that will be wheelchair accessible. There will also be musical pieces as well as picnic tables and a pavilion. All this equipment will be set atop a $260,000 specialized rubber foundation, Heartland Parks and Recreation installers Mike Erwin and Matthew Erwin confirmed. Children United SWOK is funded under the Lawton Enhancement Trust Authority, a 501(c)(3) non- profit 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.