NASSAU COUNTY, NY – Let All the Children Play Foundation (LATCPF), a not-for-profit charitable foundation that promotes inclusion of children with disabilities and their able-bodied peers, broke ground today, on a state-of-the-art two acre universally accessible park and playground at Eisenhower Park, East Meadow, NY. This site, in addition to future planned programs, will provide accessible recreation and out of school opportunities for the many children of Nassau County with autism, physical, cognitive and developmental disabilities. The playground site is being spearheaded by LATCPF and developed in partnership with Nassau County government, with funding for the $1.3 million project largely financed through the voter-approved Nassau County Environmental Bond Act of 2006 in addition to private donations. The playground is expected to be completed by summer of 2010.

“This playground will provide disabled children with the same recreational opportunities that are enjoyed by other children while also allowing for interaction between disabled and able-bodied children,” said Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi. “It’s an outstanding project and another example of the sort of targeted investments we are making to enhance the experience of the public in our parks, including greater opportunities for exercise and recreation.”

The site offers a broad range of inclusive play opportunities and challenges for all children, including adapted structures, ramps and swings. Design plans will provide accommodations for parents with disabilities, including accessible parking, washroom facilities, pathways, and seating. LATCPF Executive Director David Weingarten says, “All children should be provided with play environments that engage their imaginations. We need this playground in order to break down barriers, not only in playgrounds, but in the way people think, so that inclusion of all children is a priority, not an after-thought.”

LATCPF will also develop year round programs where the playground will create a truly integrated environment, allowing children with disabilities to play side-by-side with their able-bodied peers. LATCPF envisions the playground to be a fun, unique and safe environment for regular interaction and gatherings, thus inspiring the development of a “play” community. Michael Alon, LATCPF’s founder, says “our vision is to create an environment where everyone feels included, no matter of any disability. This is a great stepping stone for LATCPF, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to work, and continue to work with Nassau County.”

Beyond the building of this playground, LATCPF aims to make an even greater impact: breaking down barriers for children with disabilities, creating social change, and helping to improve the lives of all children and members of the community. By leveraging the fun, inclusive, and team-building nature of play, along with its universal applications, LATCPF will create consistent programming to take place at the playground and surrounding sites, building upon five key pillars: Education, Aspiration, Change, Community, and Empowerment.

For more information on Let All the Children Play Foundation, please visit our website at www.LATCP.org.