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Inclusive playground in Kingwood is moving forward

Donations to Wade’s World of Wonder can be made to Tucker County Community Center, 100 Educator Lane, Parsons, WV 26287 or at wadeswowplayground.com

KINGWOOD — Wade’s World of Wonder, an accessible and inclusive playground, is moving forward, according to Jason Mazza.
The playground is to be a memorial for Jason and Laura Mazza’s son, Wade, who was born with a rare brain disorder that left him unable to walk, talk or do other daily activities. He died in 2011, at age 4.
Mazza is working with Kanics Inclusive Design Services LLC and the Kingwood Pool Committee to bring the playground to the area.

“Putting the playground near the pool will make it more accessible,” Mazza said. “It will be close to the rails-to-trails and on a level piece of ground.”
He said this location will also provide easy access for adults and children in wheelchairs.

Pool Committee member Mike Lipscomb said the collaboration benefits both programs. “I’m happy we will be collaborating instead of having several projects. I believe the two projects make a lot of sense. Kids can go to the playground and swim at the pool.”

Mazza said the project raised $40,000 and hoped to have $50,000 after its Wade’s WOW Playground Third Annual Golf Scramble, which was held June 30.

“The playground equipment is expensive, but it has a lifetime warranty,” Mazza said. “We had to redesign the layout but we are still going to go with the farm scene.”

He said some pieces of the playground equipment cost up to $20,000.
“Sparks at Play is willing to donate some musical equipment like drums and xylophones,” Mazza said. “There was some of this equipment at Myrtle Beach. The kids there really liked it.”

He plans to continue to apply for grants. The total cost for the park will be $700,000. Mazza said if the playground has to be done in phases, the first phase will include a silo and a barn with a slide and swings. The first phase will cost about $300,000.

“We’re looking at fundraisers, grants and hopefully some large donations,” he said. “There are community block grants and land and water grants available, but those must be done through the city or county. I’ll have to get permission to submit those.”

Mazza said he wanted the park to be someplace where it would be safe and inclusive.
“We want to reach out to kids with autism and other issues like Down syndrome. We want it to be a playground for all children.”