The No Child Left Out Project

Turkey Trot 5k & Silent Auction

2011-11-20T12:54:00.000-08:00

It was a cold morning for a jog, but lots of wonderful & supportive people braved the cold to come support us. How amazing!

Chloe woke up at 2 am that morning, so she was a tired model of the Turkey Trot Tee!

It still looks adorable on her, though, wouldn't you say?!

Tiffany, Kresta and their crew are the true heroes behind all the fund raisers.
I honestly don't know what I'd do without them!

Thank you to EVERYONE who believes in and supports our project! We're getting there, and will probably even get to start building next spring...
Can you believe it?!
Only because of YOU, So THANK YOU!

Turkey Trot!

2011-10-17T19:45:00.000-07:00

Professionally timed race by Striders the Saturday before Thanksgiving!

Online registration available at syracuserecreation.com.

Thanks for your support!

Exciting Announcement

2011-10-15T22:40:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled to *finally* announce that the lovely and talented Mindy Gledhill will be putting on a benefit concert for our project in March! This has been in the works for quite some time, but there are a lot of little details that go into something like this! The show is tentatively scheduled for March 16th at Syracuse High. We also tentatively have one of the hosts from Good Things Utah scheduled to emcee! Of course I'll keep you posted, but in the meantime you can enjoy some of her ear candy here and a sneak peak at the type of show she puts on here....

Also, the Turkey Trot is coming up! Mark your calendars for November 19th. More details on that very soon!!!

Video About the Playground

2011-08-19T23:17:00.000-07:00

More than anything, I love all the support that is behind the scenes in the video.... You can't imagine how many hours and how many people went into making a 6-minute flick like this. It's humbling to know that people care and support my vision and I am forever grateful.

This is truly a never-ending project. Very seldom does a day go by that I don't get an email from someone with an idea or a donation or an offer to help.... And those daily reminders keep me going! We have enough to begin construction next spring and compelte the first phase, so we're continuing to pursue fund-raising with the final phase in mind. And I know we'll get there! The longer the project goes on, the more patience I get because truly this has been about the journey for me.... the relationships, the incredible people, just the sense of community and sincere compassion from the general public. There is SO much negative in the world, but there is even more good! I am in never-ending awe of the little bits of good that have touched my life because of this project.

Source

Team Chloe

2011-08-07T12:01:00.000-07:00

The 5k and event was a huge success! Read all about it here.

Just a Reminder!

2011-08-05T09:22:00.001-07:00

Just a reminder that the big event for Chloe's Sunshine Playground is tomorrow at the Gallivan Center!
Everyone is invited so spread the word!!!

Avoid lines and pre-register online at childrenandtheearth.com for the 5k/$10 or the motorcycle ride/$30.
We know everyone's schedules are busy and budgets are tight, so we sincerely appreciate your support!!!

There are many additional activities going on as well,
and everything lasts all day from 7 am to 7 pm. Come any time!

-kids fair (face painting, princess dress ups, Bouncy House, Gamin
Trailer etc.)

-Tow mater will be there!

-The General Lee from the Dukes of Hazard will be there!

-Some very popular Mascots will be there!

-Food vendors!

-Shopping vendors!

-A drawing that will go throughout the day consisting of AWESOME
prizes!!

-And so much more!!

Here is a play by play of how the day will go.......

7am- 5K Registration

8:45- Releasing of balloons in memory of those who have passed away.

9am-5K Begins

9am-Registration for the Motorcycle Ride/Rally

10am-Motorcycle Ride leaves the Gallivan Center

11am-6ish- Live Music/Bands
> Taken Root
> Markham Sound
> Owen Country
> Jason David and Rima Clark
> Matthew and the hope

1pm-The Motorcycle ride returns back to the Gallivan Center

Custom Bike Show all Day put on by Coonyz Customs

This is such a great event, bring the family down and have some fun!
There is something for everyone!!

5k & Motorcycle Rally Coming Up!

2011-07-05T15:25:00.000-07:00

Children and the Earth, a local 501(c)3 non-profit charity organization, announced today that their 3rd annual 5K walk – run – stroll, motorcycle ride and custom motorcycle show fundraiser for “Brain Injury Children” and 29 other kids and families. The event will be held on August 6th, 2011 at the Gallivan Center, 239 South Main in downtown Salt Lake City.

One of the children selected to be part of this fundraiser is Chloe's Sunshine Playground. If you participate in the 5k or motorcycle rally, you can select who you would like to sponsor. If you select Chloe's Sunshine Playground, 100% of your donation will go toward helping this cause!

>>>Go here to register.<<<

The day includes all the events mentioned above along with a Special Kids Fair, live music all throughout the day, retail vendors, great food and drinks, and much, much more.

The day begins with sign-up and registration for the 5-K and motorcycle rally at 7:00 am, with both starting promptly at 9:00 A.M. The Kids Fair, music and vendors are scheduled to open immediately after the start of the 5K.

Everyone is invited to come and spend the day in downtown SLC having as much fun as you can find, while helping the many children with “Brain Injuries” and other worthy causes. Also, tons of prizes will be given away throughout the day.

The cost is only $10.00 per adult with kids under 10 admitted free.

Newspaper Article

2011-03-22T21:11:00.000-07:00

by Valerie Parsons of the Syracuse Islander

Chloe Bennett, 4, has bright blue eyes, curly white-blonde hair and a wide, winning smile. She also has a seizure disorder and severe and irreversible brain damage, rendering her muscles weak.

Mother Tara cradles Chloe against her body, head nestled in the crook of her neck. Chloe's legs with feet in bright sparkly pink shoes stretch nearly to Tara's knees. Chloe's dad, Michael (known as Oby) walks beside them, carrying a humidifer back to Tara's mother, who lives next door. Chloe has been sick with RSV the last week and was better cared for at home than at the hospital.

Tara entrusts Chloe to Grammy's outstretched arms. Chloe's smile widens. Grammy Bonnie Mann takes her into an adjoining room to read a book while Tara sits down to talk about their dream of a special needs playground to be built in Syracuse at Centennial Park.

"Chloe's condition appeared at about 3 1/2 to 4 months," Tara states. "She had digestion issues and was always a bit fussy." She was told her baby was colicky but she knew that something else was wrong. One night, desperate for help, they took Chloe to the emergency room. Since that night, when doctors started to take the family's concerns seriously, they have been given many diagnoses.

After Chloe began to have seizures, one diagnosis was West Syndrome. Tara's blog explains this serious illness can cause severe mental retardation. It has a 60% higher mortality rate before the age of 10. The medication to treat it costs $20,000 per vial and it took the insurance while to approve the payment. Thankfully, the medication has controlled Chloe's seizures.

Chloe's brain sends messages but her neurological pathways were destroyed. She does not speak other than to occasionally say, "Uh huh" (which her mother says is very useful when trying to determine what she needs). Her intonation helps them determine how she feels. She is very aware and has tested well cognitively and is socially well above her age group.

"Chloe is relatively healthy, which is uncommon with her condition and that helps a great deal too," says Tara.

Chloe now attends a Head Start pre-school haf day, where she interacts with her peers. She adores playing with her cousins. Her special needs dance class and therapies have provided her with many more friends. "She's a social butterfly," Tara says with a smile.

When the family was searching for a diagnosis, Tara heard about a special needs playground in St. Louis, Missouri. "It was a miniature Disneyland: multiple play stations, sensory toys. Not just for special needs but for all abilities and ages. I read about it and knew that I also had to do that. Even if Chloe hadn't had special needs, I'd have wanted one for my city."

Tara looked up accessible playgrounds and found none nearby. The closest was over an hour away. They made the drive and found that the swings were upright and could not support Chloe, who loves to swing. Vandals had taken some of the straps for the swings and the remaining straps could not hold children securely. A ramp to access part of the play area was surrounded by wood chips, making it difficult to push a wheelchair.

"I don't want to say anything bad about the other playgrounds, but the standards need to be raised. The people who designed those playgrounds probably didn't have special needs children because they weren't very well thought out."

"Special needs children needa playground more than others but I would like to see a true societal change with this," Tara explains. "I started this as an accessible playground. The longer I work on this I don't just want to provide for the special needs community.

"I want a place where they are celebrated.... where children and adults are playing together with no separation from one another. I don't want people to say, 'look what we did for you; aren't we wonderful?'"

Tara continues, "Mother Teresa had a saying: 'If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other,' and that's what I hope this playground will remind us."

She wants people to see what special needs people can do. She becomes emotional as she speaks about how much Chloe has taught her. This playground is the beginning of a positive change. Chloe's Sunshine Playground will be inclusive rather than exclusive.

Tara's playground idea began when she went to the Syracuse City Council to ask for land donation in exchange for raising the fund for the playground. The city has supported her from the beginning. "They have shed tears and cheered our small victories," she says. "We're truly in this together."

The project likely has obtained grants for matching funds from the water conservationi fund, and they have applied for a Community Development Block grant. They have held numerous fundraisers from the 5k Turkey Trot to selling bows, pies and breakfasts at Heritage Days and other events.

The playground will be built in phases. Phase I will build the main playground structure and install the 'pour and play' surfacing, which is soft and more forgiving of falls, yet hard enough to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers.

Tara explains that the playground will have a bug and nature theme. She calls it Chloe's Sunshine Playground because, Tara says, "Chloe is my sunshine and I always htink of her as the caterpillar which becomes the butterfly." She adds that the playground will feature a music area with drums, chimes and marimbas.

Phase II will feature an extra large splash pad with interactive water play. In addition, bathroom facilities at the park will be improved and expanded.

Tara hopes that Chloe's Sunshine Playground will one day be the place where the simplest and most universal expression of joy, a child's smile, will always unite the community.

Chloe's wide smile and TAra's playground project is certainly a great start.

Community Development

2011-03-08T22:26:00.000-08:00

Syracuse City has been presented an opportunity to pursue Community Development. I can assure you that Chloe's Sunshine Playground is the best way to develop this community. Let me explain.

Not only will this playground be a wonderful gathering place, it will also boost the economy. It will be a place that will not only accept or accommodate my daughter, Chloe, or all children with special needs, or all adults with special needs, or meet ADA standards, or provide accessibility options for mobility equipment... It won't only help everyone feel good about doing just enough
so they can say that, 'special needs kids can play here too,' and feel warm and fuzzy that they did the 'right thing.' It won't only be a place just for this city, either. I know the special needs community and they're willing travel many miles to see their childrens' smiles.

Chloe's Sunshine Playground will be a place where differences are celebrated!

It is so easy for the general public to see how they can help those with special needs. The special needs community needs your help and they're grateful when they get it. But I promise that the things that make them different also make them extraordinary and they can help you too! I hope that no one will stand tall over a child in a wheelchair on the grand opening of Chloe's Sunshine Playground and say, "Look what we did for you. Aren't we wonderful?" I hope, instead, they will kneel down and look into the child's eyes for a moment, take time to see their smile light up their face, then be so profoundly touched and changed by such pure joy, that they quite simply have to say, "Come on, let's go play together!" Mother Theresa taught that we belong to each other. If so, we need a place where we can all really be there for each other in the broadest sense. Everyone can help their fellow man in unique ways, and so often the simplest actions have the most profound effect, if only we take the time to see and appreciate them.

I'm grateful to be part of a community that is willing to see its opportunity for development in a broader scope than just visually appealing structures that have feel-good labels and accommodations. Those things are important and we need them, but I'm referring to something larger and more grand. Chloe's Sunshine Playground is an opportunity for all of us to light an inner spark and shine a little brighter, because maybe that light will help someone else. This concept is community development in its truest form.

Tonight, our differences of opinions about where to put a road have segregated us. Issues have and will resonate within this community that will seem to force us into separate corners, in aggressive and defensive stances. (Not to undermine the importance of this issue because the Davis Corridor issue IS very important to me and will directly impact my neighborhood.) However, it's my hope that Chloe's Sunshine Playground will one day be the place where the simplest and most universal expression of joy,
a child's smile,
will always unite us.

I would argue with Jim Collins that Henry Ford's most far-reaching and influential invention was not the Model T, but the assembly line. In that same line of thinking, I hope that Chloe's Sunshine Playground is not Syracuse City's legacy. I hope our broader sense of inclusion and commitment to community becomes the playground's legacy.

Let Your Voice Be Heard!

2011-01-26T14:26:00.000-08:00

We are working on putting together a professional video to help promote our project. If you're interested in being a part of the video, please let me know. You don't have to have a special needs child or be related to a special needs child. Remember, this playground will be for everyone, so we'd like to have everyone represented in the video! Leave a comment or email me (manntar@hotmail.com) if you'd like to participate and I will provide you with additional details of when and where.

Turkey Trot 5k & Silent Auction

2010-11-20T19:16:00.000-08:00

Today was the Turkey Trot & silent auction. Chloe started by getting in the right attire....

Chloe in her Turkey Trot Tee!

Then we met with our family, friends and everyone else who came out from the community to support our cause!....

Chloe & Mayor Nagle

There were approximately 200 runners and many more supporters. It was incredible!

Ready.....

Set....

Go!!!....

This playground is a true community effort. And because of all the support I witnessed today, I am 100% certain that this community is going to build Chloe's Sunshine Playground. I'm grateful to be just a small part of this effort. Thank you, everyone!!!

Turkey Trot & Silent Auction

2010-10-09T00:01:00.000-07:00

This race will be professionally timed. Cool!

You can either register beginning October 1st in person at the Syracuse Community Center or online HERE . Select "register for activities" on the left, then "2010 programs," then "Turkey Trot 5k (No Child Left Out)."

A silent auction will be held before, during and after the 5k. We welcome any auction items to be donated. Contact Tara Bennett at manntar@hotmail.com to arrange donation items.

How You Can Help

2010-09-29T21:24:00.000-07:00

People are always asking how they can help with the playground. I keep directing them to the blog. But I just realized that I didn't have everything in one easy-to-find spot. So here is a list that is easy to see all the different ways you can help out!

Make a donation. Find out how here.
Purchase a brick. Find out how here.
Participate in the Turkey Trot 5k on November 20th. Details here.
Attend the silent auction on November 20th and/or participate in the 5k Turkey Trot. Details here.
Donate for a chance to win an autographed Utah Jazz basketball. Details here.
Donate for a chance to win an iPad. Details here.
Buy a frosty any time at the Wendy's in Syracuse. Details here.
Purchase bows at Chloe's Bow-tique.
Purchase digital scrapbooking kit "Sunshine Playground." Details here.
Keep updated on future events by following our blog here or facebook page here.

Thank you again to everyone who supports this project! I know I say it all the time, but I sincerely mean it. This project has truly shown me how much people in this community care about each other. It is humbling and exciting to think what everyone will help us accomplish! Thank you!!!

Phasing Plan

2010-09-14T19:51:00.000-07:00

Tonight, Cindy Gooch of JUB Engineers presented a proposal for Syracuse City to support the playground to be built in phases. She and her amazing support staff are working on writing a grant for our project and they believe that building the playground in phases will help with potential donation opportunites and make the excitement of the playground a reality rather than just a pipe dream. I am thrilled with this phasing idea and believe if things go as I have planned with some of our upcoming fund-raising events, that we may be able to combine phases 2 and 3 and have the project completed next year. With that in mind, here is the 3-part phasing plan.

Phase 1: Game Time "Powerscapes" for ages 5-12 and ages 2-5; swings; shade structures; benches; excavation for the entire project; surfacing; retaining wall and concrete sidewalks and arched entrance.

Phase 2: Cre8 Play area and mini play structures.

Phase 3: Splash Pad and final touches.

Majority ruled and the council committed that JUB Engineers can submit a grant application which will potentially match the funds we have already raised; the city also committed to operation and maintenance of the playground upon completion.

Squint. Look into the future. Do you see Chloe's Sunshine Playground? I DO!!!

I'm overwhelmed with gratitude to the continued outpouring of support from the city and other incredible people and organizations. It never ceases to amaze me. Thank you. We're going to make this a reality. Not me.... WE -- all of us! Thank you!!!

More Inspiration!

2010-08-25T09:48:00.000-07:00

Although we are no longer officially partnered with Unlimited Play, Natalie of the organization is still my partner and friend in every way.

Here is an incredible story their local news did about the playground she built for her son, Zachary's Playground. This was the playground that I read about that inspired me to build Chloe's Sunshine Playground.

Go here to watch the video.

I can only imagine the day that there will be a video like this about our completed project!

Inspiration

2010-08-13T12:41:00.000-07:00

I just watched this video on a playground that was recently built in Tennessee. How exciting to see that someone else had a similar vision as we have and that it came to pass! I can only imagine that day for us. Thanks, everyone, for helping to someday bring that to pass. Be sure to watch the video, it is truly inspiring! See more pictures about this playground HERE. It will make you smile! :)

We Love Wendy's!

2010-08-08T21:55:00.000-07:00

First the frosty's and now this!....

Please come support us @ 1598 S 2000 W in Syracuse. See you there!

Launch Party

2010-07-15T21:39:00.000-07:00

Tonight was the launch party for Chloe's Sunshine Playground. Here's a little recap:

When Chloe was born, before there was any indication of medical anomalies.... before our life became filled with diagnoses, doctor's appointments, therapies and medical testing.... I looked in Chloe's big blue eyes and made her a promise. I promised that she could be and do anything she wanted, and that her dad and I would help her achieve whatever that was.

Today when I look into her big blue eyes, the promise remains the same. She will do and be anything she wants and we will help her.

Although Chloe is non-verbal, anyone who has ever spent any time around her knows that she can still express exactly what she wants. It is a profound privilege to be her “voice” and let all of you know that what Chloe wants right now is to have fun..... To play, laugh and explore alongside her peers. She does not want to be on the sidelines watching everyone else; she wants to be in on the action!

I am doing my best to keep my promise to Chloe. The great city of Syracuse is helping make it a reality. Mayor Nagle, her staff and the city council have truly risen to the occasion and I feel honored to call many of them my friends. The city has set aside Centennial Park to be the location.

Right now, Chloe's Sunshine Playground is just a dream. It's an idea put on paper and an empty plot of ground. But with all of your help, it will one day be a reality.

Chloe and Mayor Nagle uncovered the design of the playground for everyone to see what we have envisioned for Chloe and all the children in our community who desire to play together without boundaries.

Thank you, Zurchers, for sponsoring this event. The snow cones, popcorn and balloons were a huge hit.

Thank you, everyone for supporting us! It was such an exciting night. This was the first time the playground felt real.... I could almost see it and felt the excitement in the air.

Here Comes the Sun!!!!

Launch Party

2010-07-10T19:30:00.001-07:00

Sponsored by Zurchers Party & Wedding Stores.

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

2010-07-01T17:20:00.000-07:00

Coleman Orthodontics
Energy Solutions
Forked Up Art
The Franklin Group in West Haven
Hibernation Station
Hogan & Associates Construction
Iceberg Drive-Inn in Syracuse
JUB Engineers
Modern Woodmen
Sally Foster
Sam's Club
Scentsy Consultants:
{Erin Shiflett & Julie Dillman}
Striders
Stuff to Scrap
Syracuse City
Thurgood Productions
Titles for Charities
University of Utah
Utah Jazz
VCBO Architecture
Wasatch Peak Physical Therapy
Weber State University
Wendy's in Syracuse
Zions Bank
Zurchers

Want to be a sponsor? Go HERE to find out how!

Exciting News!

2010-06-25T11:02:00.001-07:00

This just in! There will be a hot air balloon at the Syracuse City Rec Center tomorrow morning (Saturday). It's only $5 for a ride and the proceeds will help the playground!

ALSO....

An iPad has been donated to our cause! We will be selling raffle tickets for the iPad from tomorrow (at a Heritage Days booth at Founders Park in Syracuse) until July 15th. The winner will be announced at our launch party!

A "Scentsible" Way to Help!

2010-06-24T22:57:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to let you know that there is another great opportunity for you to help raise money for the playground! If you love Scentsy (and who doesn't!), July is the time to buy. And Julie is the gal to buy it from! Scentsy consultant, Julie Dillman, is donating the profit of her sales for the month of July to our cause. How cool is that!

Go to her blog HERE to find out how!

Get some new scents. Buy extra for gifts. Let your friends and family know too.

Thanks everyone!!!

Leave a Lasting Impression

2010-06-24T09:50:00.000-07:00

Either go here to make an online donation via paypal, or mail a check to No Child Left Out 2974 S 1000 W Syracuse, UT 84075. You can enter as many times as you'd like! Please include your full name and the best phone number to reach you as well as the name and/or logo you would like to be featured on your brick.

Chance to Win!

2010-06-17T20:48:00.000-07:00

We have a Jazz basketball signed by all the players....

And an iPad!....

AND your donations will give you a chance to win one of them!

A donation of $5 will allow you to be put in a drawing to win the Jazz basketball. Each entry for the iPad is $10. No limit.

Winners will be announced at the Syracuse Pumpkin Walk in October! (If you're not there to hear the announcement and you win, we will contact you by phone).

Pumpkin Walk
The annual pumpkin walk will be held October 21-23 at Centennial Park
(behind the police station) from 7-10 p.m.
FREE for the Whole Family

For All Frosty Fanatics!

2010-06-17T16:54:00.000-07:00

From now until the playground is complete, when you buy a Frosty at the Wendy's in Syracuse, the proceeds will go directly to help our project. NOW.... Aren't you craving a Frosty? I hope so!!!

Thank you, Wendy's!!!

Launch Party!

2010-06-17T11:04:00.000-07:00

We'll be holding Chloe's Sunshine Playground Launch Party at Centennial Park July 15th from 6-8:30 pm.

There will be FREE ice cream, popcorn, cotton candy and balloons. We'll be revealing the future location of the playground, the design plan, and holding a raffle. PLEASE come support this exciting event!!!

Heritage Days Booth

2010-06-17T10:53:00.000-07:00

We will have a booth at Founders Park for Syracuse Heritage Days Friday June 25th and Saturday June 26th.

At the booth, there will be a raffle for a basketball autographed by ALL of the Utah Jazz players!!!....

We'll also be selling bows....

ALL proceeds will go to the playground, so please come support us if you can!

Pancake Breakfast

2010-06-17T10:45:00.000-07:00

Syracuse's Breakfast in the Park at the city Community Center will be held at 7 a.m. on Saturday, June 26th.

Not only will it be fun and delicious, but ALL proceeds will be going to Chloe's Sunshine Playground! Please come!!!

Try a Slice, Buy a Pie

2010-06-17T10:44:00.000-07:00

Zions Bank is sponsoring an event on Wednesday, June 23rd, from 7-9 pm at Centennial Park.

They will be giving away slices of pie so you can try different flavors before deciding which whole pie to purchase. ALL proceeds will go directly to Chloe's Sunshine Playground! Please come if you can!!!

Thank You, Zions Bank!

2010-06-02T13:30:00.000-07:00

Today was the grand opening ceremony at the Zions Bank in Syracuse. Chloe and I were invited to attend. The President and CEO, Scott Anderson, presented a generous donation of $75,000 to Syracuse City for Chloe's Sunshine Playground! WOW!

Chloe and Scott Anderson

Tara, Chloe & Mayor Jamie Nagle

Chloe loved the pink balloon they gave her to match her dress!

Thank you, Zions Bank!!!

Bows for the Playground!

2010-04-28T09:15:00.001-07:00

I just started a new blog, Chloe's Bow-tique, to help raise funds for the playground. Check it out, but please realize it's a work in progress! Be sure to tell your friends too!

Just the Tip of the Iceberg

2010-04-14T22:44:00.001-07:00

I think it's ironic that our first fund-raising event was held at Iceberg Drive-Inn, because truly this really is the tip of the iceberg of all the events we will have for this project!

And it was a great event!

In addition to yummy food, there were some pretty amazing people who showed up to support our cause!

Chloe & Mayor Jamie Nagle

There was a fire truck for all the kiddos to check out!

Zeke

But Chloe was most into the men who came in the fire truck! *wink*wink*

Chloe & the firemen

Of course everyone loved the police car (and policeman) as well! What is it about a man in uniform? I dunno, but it starts at a young age.... just ask Chloe & Izzy!

Chloe, Izzy giggling about their crush

Thank you everyone for your support, it was a huge success! Even if you couldn't make it tonight, I feel the support of everyone so much with this project and it really does keep me going - it means the world to me!

Community Event at Iceberg

2010-03-16T15:37:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendars! We are holding a community event at Iceberg (1792 S 2000 W in Syracuse) on April 14th. There will be a fire truck and police car there. Kids can check them out and have their pictures taken! There will be a raffle and fun prizes! Come eat and have a good time between 5 and close that night, and you will be supporting our cause!

Mother Fights for Playground

2010-03-06T14:56:00.001-08:00

by Loretta Park
Standard-Examiner

SYRACUSE, UT - Tara Bennett just wants to see her daughter play in a park with her friends.

To do that, she hopes to raise $1 million so 2-year-old Chloe Bennett, who uses a wheelchair for mobility, can play side-by-side with other children.

Chloe

"She loves playing with other kids and swinging and playing in the sand," Bennett said about her only child, who has cerebral palsy.

"But at a regular playground, she can't do that," Bennett said.

That's because the swings do not have high-enough backs to support her body, and it's difficult to push a wheelchair through sand or wood chips to the play area, Bennett said.

The Syracuse City Council recently approved a resolution allocating 3 acres at Legacy park, 2300 S 1000 W, for the proposed, "Chloe's Sunshine Playground."

The funds would go toward building an accessible playground, which would include ramps, sensory panels, table play, wider paths, Braille and fully accessible structures that will appeal to all children and conform to the Americans with Disabilities Act, she said.

Bennett started to research her daughter's condition after Chloe was diagnosed as an infant, and she came across an article about Natalie Blakemore, who raised funds for an accessible park in Lake St Louis, MO. It opened in 2007. Since then, Blakemore, a Brigham Young University graduate, has helped others raise funds and design playgrounds for their areas.

Bennett is now heading "The No Child Left Out Project" in Syracuse and has partnered with "Unlimited Play," a nonprofit organization headed by Blakemore, to build an accessible park for disabled children.

It will be the first of its kind west of St Louis.

Bennett, who studied business in college, is not only organizing fundraisers, she is also writing grants in hopes of obtaining private, state and federal funds for the park. Her goal is to see her daughter swinging in a public playground in five years.

The city is unable to provide any extra funding for playground equipment at this time, said Mayor Jamie Nagle.

But that does not stop the city's support of Bennett's dream.

"When you're a mom of a disabled child, everything's possible," Nagle said. "Tara's dream is for her daughter to play side-by-side with other children, and I salute her for that. I'm 100 percent behind her."

Learn more
For more information about The No Child Left Out Project and upcoming fundraisers, go to thenochildleftoutproject.blogspot.com.

Upcoming fundraising event:
Golf tournament, June 8-9, Glen Eagle Golf Course, 3176 W 1700 S, Syracuse.

Mayor's Message

2010-02-26T11:19:00.000-08:00

Message from Mayor Jamie Nagle
Posted in the March 2010 Syracuse City Newsletter

There are so many exciting things happening in Syracuse right now. The City is working with Tara Bennett to use existing park space to build a "No Child Left Out" park structure.. This playground will be the first of its kind west of St. Louis, Missouri. Tara is raising the necessary funds to build this structure, and the City will provide existing park space to help make Tara's dream a reality so that her little girl can also play and enjoy these types of amenities.

Location Determined

2010-02-09T19:11:00.000-08:00

Just got back from meeting with the city council. They agreed with our proposed location for the accessible playground (Legacy Park) and are moving forward to make a formal resolution on the subject. I am stoked! Once the official resolution happens at the next city council meeting, we will be hitting the ground running with a press release and fund raising galore! Get ready, get set..... GO!

Unlimited Play Partnership

2010-02-03T11:21:00.000-08:00

The No Child Left Out Project is officially partnering with Unlimited Play to make Chloe's Sunshine Playground a reality. We are thrilled about the partnership and look forward to what's to come!

A Video About the Park That Inspired This Project

2010-01-13T21:58:00.001-08:00

UNLIMITED PLAY VIDEO from Ty Cobb on Vimeo.

Digital Scrapbooking Kit

2009-10-01T20:16:00.001-07:00

I want to thank the designers at Stuff to Scrap. They have created this amazing digital scrapbooking kit, called Sunshine Playground....

.... as well as this incredible set of quick pages:

All proceeds will go to our cause, so any digital scrapbookers out there, now is your chance to get something nice for yourself and help out our cause. The kit is available at the STS store.

Thank you, STS!

Donations

2009-09-29T20:41:00.000-07:00

Click here to make a secure, online donation via paypal.

If you would prefer to mail in a donation, please send to The No Child Left Out Project 2974 S 1000 W Syracuse, UT 84075. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Calling All Digital Scrappers

2009-08-04T11:13:00.000-07:00

I put the article about the playground up on my digi-scrap blog, Scrappity {doo-dah}, a place where I put my digital creations from being on several digi designers' creative teams.....

It caught the attention of the designers from Stuff to Scrap and they have kindly decided to create a digital scrapbooking kit inspired by Chloe's Sunshine Playground, sell it, and donate the proceeds to our cause. How nice is that! The kit is going to be released in October and this is the palette....

Look familiar? It's in keeping with the colors from this blog, and I think it's so cute! So all you digi scrappers, keep your eyes peeled, and be sure to get in on the fun in October! I will, of course, keep you posted!

A giant thank you to STS for this amazing gift. =)

Newspaper Article

2009-07-30T09:07:00.000-07:00

Syracuse resident to create new park
Mom will raise money to build the handicapped-accessible playground.
By Andrew Maddocks

The Salt Lake Tribune

Chloe Bennett truly loves to swing, her mother Tara says. The 2-year-old swoops back and forth, laughing and smiling, her eyes beaming.

But any swing without high back support is dangerous for Chloe, born with a form of cerebral palsy, she cannot support herself. So Chloe relies entirely on her mother at nonaccessible parks to move around, stay upright, or even lie down in the sandbox.

"Chloe's not sitting on the sidelines crying, but I am, internally," Bennett said.

There isn't a single handicapped accessible park within an hour of Bennett's Syracuse home. Not only does Chloe love swinging and playing, but Bennett says the therapy associated with play is a critical part of Chloe's physical development.

So last month, Bennett decided to bring a wheelchair-accessible park to Syracuse herself.

She presented the idea to Syracuse City Administrator Rodger Worthen and City Council earlier this month. Officials are supportive, especially since Bennett intends to start a nonprofit organization and raise $800,000 -- her estimated total cost for the park -- herself -.

"I think it could be a great thing for city," Worthen said.

An accessible park features rubber surfaces easier to roll over than wood chips and ramps to the top of playground features so children, whether handicapped or not, can participate.

In early meetings, two potential sites emerged for the 2-acre playground: plots of land near the new Syracuse Fire Department building and in Jensen Nature Park.

The fire station site would be close to medical emergency services, Worthen said, and guide out-of-town visitors straight through downtown. Jensen Nature Park's established popularity would bring in more non-handicapped children, Bennett said, an important part of the plan.

With the city council's ongoing support, she hopes to have the tentatively named Sunshine Park open in less than five years.

Direction for the project came from of an article about Zachary's Playground in Lake St. Louis, Mo. Natalie Blakemore coordinated the construction of an accessible park for her son Zachary. Blakemore happens to be Syracuse City Councilman Doug Peterson's cousin.

Bennett hopes to connect with Blakemore, and streamline the fundraising and construction process even more.

Facing the obvious challenge of starting a nonprofit and raising nearly a million dollars, Bennett says she will draw on her experience volunteering for the Make a Wish Foundation and from business classes at the University of Phoenix. Once the Syracuse park is complete, Bennett dreams of building an accessible park in every county in Utah.

For now she wants to make sure Chloe, and other children with physical handicaps, can play independently. Playgrounds are a right of passage, and Bennett sees no reason why any child should miss out.

In her eyes, it's only a matter of time before Chloe moves from her backyard swing to the playground. It's all part of a lifelong pledge Bennett made to her daughter -- anything is possible.

"We might have to get creative and work hard," Bennett said. "But she'll always be able to do whatever she wants."

Photo Shoot

2009-07-23T11:51:00.000-07:00

Today a photographer from The Salt Lake Tribune came to our house to take photos of Chloe. They will be doing an article about Chloe and our plans for Sunshine Playground. Doesn't she look cute for her big debut!?!?!?....

The story is scheduled to run in next Thursday's paper as part of the 'Up Close' section. Be sure to watch for it!

City Council Presentation

2009-07-14T23:39:00.000-07:00

Here is a recap of the slideshow I presented to the city council tonight:

Inspired by....

My daughter Chloe has a severe seizure disorder and cerebral palsy. She loves life and is a true joy! But when we go to playgrounds, she can only watch from the sidelines because most playgrounds do not offer play options that allow accessibility for Chloe’s wheelchair and physical needs. I realized that I need to take a stand for Chloe and the many special children like her who live in this area because all children deserve a place to play!

What is an accessible playground?....

•Allows all children to play side-by-side and enjoy being children

•Allows for wheelchair access: transfer stations, ramps, wider paths, stable surfaces, table play, ample space around equipment

•Rubberized surfaces ideal for wheelchairs and walkers

•Swings to accommodate children in wheelchairs and high-back swings for children with poor head control

•Toys that promote balance

•Tactile and auditory elements

•Integrates sign language, Braille and pictures

•Elements for teaching

Benefits....

For the children:

•Having fun

•Vestibular Therapy

•Sensory Stimulation

•A feeling of being ‘normal’

•Integration and learning to accept differences

•

For Syracuse:

•Positive press

•Frequent visitors

Cost & Funding.....

•Cost to build an accessible playground is approximately $800,000 for cost of landscape architect, labor & playground supplies

•Seeking land to be donated by Syracuse City

•In the process of creating Non-Profit Organization: The No child Left Out Project

•Community Impact Fund

•State and Federal grants (autism, special physical education, and others)

•Donations from other NPO’s

•Local fund-raising

Marketing....

•Blog (thenochildleftoutproject.blogspot.com) & blog promotion

•Donation/paypal button on the blog

•Press release about the project which will direct people to the blog for donations

•Weekly stories on the blog of children and families who will benefit from the park

•Determine location and place plaque ‘Future home of Sunshine Park’ along with flyers that will again direct people to the blog to make donations

•Stories in local newspapers and magazines

•Local news appearances

Desired Location....

Jensen Park

•This is an existing park with many acres still available for use

•Existing parking and amenities available

•This is a place where many people come and will come to the new park. This will make the park a place for everyone instead of just a ‘special needs park.’ Being with all types of children is an important part of the park

•Will revolve the theme of the accessible playground around the ‘nature’ theme

Thank you!....

After the presentation, one councilmember said his cousin developed an accessible playground in St Louis. He gave me her contact information so she can hold my hand through the process. Another councilmember said his brother and sister-in-law had built a playground in memory of their deceased child. He gave me their contact information so they could give me ideas with fund-raising, etc. They also told me there was another citizen who brought this idea to their attention last year, and they said they would give me her contact information so she can team up to help this come to fruition.

All in all, I felt like everything could not have gone better than it did! The next step is meeting with the councilmembers after they think about different options for the location. Will keep you posted!

Met With Roger Worthen

2009-06-15T23:29:00.000-07:00

Today I met with the Syracuse City Manager, Roger Worthen to talk about my ideas for the playground. He seemed very supportive of the idea! I talked about my plans for the NPO, my funding and marketing strategies, and we went over a few possibilities for the location. I'd really like it to be at Jensen Park for several reasons. He said there is acreage available at Jensen Park, but wants me to present my idea in front of the city council and see what location might work best. I'm going to give a presentation at the city council meeting on July 14th.....

My Idea is Backed Up!

2009-06-11T23:25:00.000-07:00

I've decided to spearhead the planning and fundraising for an accessible playground to be built in my city, Syracuse UT. This is HUGE. It would involve getting at least 2 acres donated by the city, and raising at least $800,000. I talked to the city manager today, and he said another citizen has brought this to their attention, and the city council backs up the idea, but the only thing that can do is donate the land - they have no extra funds to give.

Excuse me? Donate land? That's a BIG deal! Woo hoo! =)

We're meeting next Monday so I can go over my ideas and plans of how I'm going to raise the money. I have done loads of research about this, and I have some tricks up my sleeve to make this happen. It won't happen tomorrow or even next year. In fact, I have a goal to have the project completed within 5 years. That sounds like a long time, but it is a realistic goal.

About Our Project

2009-06-09T19:14:00.000-07:00

A crucial part of childhood is socializing and playing with other children in a playground. Until now, Davis County children with disabilities (especially those in wheelchairs), have only been able to watch from the sidelines. Our project's mission is to change this, because all children deserve a place to play!

The 'No Child Left Out Project' is a Non-Profit Organization that is planning the dream of Syracuse's 'Sunshine Playground.' The playground will include features that will allow all children to play side-by-side and truly enjoy being children! To allow for wheelchair access, there will be transfer stations, ramps, wider paths, stable surfaces, table play, ample space around equipment, swings to accommodate children in wheelchairs, as well as auditory and tactile elements.

This is a video about the playground that inspired our project. We are partnering with Unlimited Play, who built this playground to streamline the process and ensure our end result is of the highest quality. This video is definitely worth a few minutes of your time....

UNLIMITED PLAY VIDEO from Ty Cobb on Vimeo.

Your donations will help turn this dream into a reality. If you are able to make a financial contribution, please click the button on the right sidebar, and you will be directed to paypal. If you would like to support the project in any other way, please contact Tara Bennett (Chloe's mom) at manntar@hotmail.com.

Our project will not stop in Syracuse. Our ultimate goal is to get an accessible playground in every county of Utah.

Thank you to our amazing sponsors for supporting our efforts!

The Beginning

2009-06-08T11:24:00.000-07:00

My neighbor and dear friend just dropped off this newspaper article for me to read. It touched me and I wanted to share it with you all....

*****

Zachary's Playground lets all kids be kids
By Sharon Haddock
Mormon Times
Wednesday, May. 06, 2009

Standing in the middle of a playground in Lake St. Louis, Mo., in April 2007, Natalie Blakemore didn't know exactly where her son was for the first time since he was born.

And that made her cry.

Not because she was worried about his well-being, but because it meant 6-year-old Zachary was living in a normal child's world. He was playing with other children and experiencing a little bit of the delicious freedom that most children and their mothers take for granted.

People just don't realize how much a part playgrounds play in a child's life," Blakemore said.

"She was at an accessible playground in Washington, D.C., the first time she "watched him play like any other child."

"I said to my husband, 'Let's move here!' "

It was impractical to relocate to the East Coast, so Zachary's mother started on a journey that resulted in the creation of an accessible playground in Missouri. Cities across America are asking how to go about building one like it.

"Zachary's Playground" cost $800,000 and took 69 redesigns and four years to build.

"I still can't believe it's gone from my sitting at the kitchen table sketching to a reality," said Blakemore, a Brigham Young University graduate who had no idea when she gave birth to her son that he "inherited" a rare central nervous system disorder known as Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease.

The disorder is progressive and only boys who have it show symptoms, including a delay in motor skill development. It's so rare that the Blakemores' doctor didn't suspect or diagnose it until Zachary was 14 months old, despite the fact that he couldn't hold up his head or grab things.

At that point, the Blakemores were told their son would probably never roll over, sit up or stand, and would only live until about age 15.

Blakemore knew her son had serious problems when she tried to put him into an infant swing and he was too floppy for it.

"I went home just devastated," Blakemore said. "Here was something I thought we could do that he would enjoy and we couldn't even have that."

When her sister-in-law urged her to try the playground in Washington, D.C., she didn't expect anything much different.

But the surface was rubberized so Zachary could use his walker. It had a wheelchair ramp to the top of the tallest slide and panels at the bottom.

The other children playing there accepted Zachary instead of staring or pulling away from him.

The Blakemores considered building a backyard playground, but it would be too expensive and cut out the social interaction they wanted Zachary to enjoy. They realized what they needed was a community playground that their son and other challenged youngsters could use.

As a recreation management major, Blakemore had taken classes on special education. She also had experience fund-rasing for the Special Olympics in Provo.

"I was definitely prepared (by the Lord), but I was really naive," she said. "I called five different cities in St. Charles County and every city I called had land if I had money."

Blakemore started working, although it isn't in her nature to push or ask for favors.

"One day I surprised my husband when he came through the door when I said, 'So I have land!' I don't think he took me seriously before that."

Lake St. Louis, which is about 50 miles west of St. Louis, had 16.9 acres to offer. The Development Disability Resource Board for St. Charles County kicked in $205,000. The local high school raised $25,000, the community held golf tournaments and hamburger events, and Blakemore spoke to numerous groups.

She worked with equipment vendors to help them understand the needs of a child in a wheelchair. Mothers with autistic children asked that she include fencing. Parents of children with cochlear implants asked for some tweaking to protect their kids.

LDS missionaries and the Young Women in the O'Fallon Ward, where Blakemore is Young Women president, helped on various building projects. The St. Louis North Stake held a "Make A Difference Day" dedicated to finishing the park.

Today, the Blakemores have a non-profit organization known as Unlimited Play, and the Hawk Ridge Park at 8392 Orf Road is a source of community pride.

It includes slides, swings, climbing apparatus and a spray area with fountains.

The Blakemores are being awarded the Inclusion Award from the Missouri Disabilities Council -- and Zachary is a star.

"He knows it," said his mother. "Someone will ask him why he's a star and he'll say 'because I have a playground.' "

Blakemore is talking with several other cities that want playgrounds like Zachary's, and a new city councilman ran on the promise that he'd bring Zachary's Playground to O'Fallon, where the Blakemores live.

"(Zachary) loves it," Blakemore said. "He can drive around all over. It's the one place where he has that freedom every child needs to have. Just having him have that little chance to be like other children, it's priceless for a mom."

*****

After reading the article, I was determined to raise my own $800,000 and build a playground for Chloe and other special needs kiddos in our area. I googled 'accessible playground Utah' and found there are a few playgrounds similar to Zachary's playground in Utah, but none within an hour of where I live. Looks like I'm on another mission!

Other special needs parents, if you don't know where they are already, google and find the accessible playgrounds in your area. What a wonderful place to take your child to feel that 'delicious freedom' and it would also be a great way to meet other parents!