LASN is a photographically oriented, professional journal featuring topics of concern and state-of-the-art projects designed or influenced by registered Landscape Architects.
Issue link: https://landscapearchitect.epubxp.com/i/320919
96 Landscape Architect and Specifier News Miracle Recreation has generously donated a playground in honor of two brothers— Conner Long, 10, and Cayden Long, 9, in their hometown of White House, Tennessee. Cayden, diagnosed with hypertonic cerebral palsy, is unable to walk or talk. Conner, his slightly older sibling, looks for ways to involve Cayden in his physical activities. With the guidance of a children's athletic trainer and the support of his family and community, Conner entered a children's triathlon in 2011 to bike, swim and run, all with Cayden in tow. It marked the beginning of "Team Long Brothers," leading to recognition as the 2012 Sports Illustrated for Kids "Sports Kids of Year." Miracle Recreation's donated playground is a fitting tribute to the special relationship between Conner and Cayden. The playground has inclusive features that allow children of all abilities to play together. Conner named the playground "Roll Around the Park." The playground ribbon cutting was April 12, 2014, quickly followed by a stream of children flooding onto the playground. Previously, the Long Family had to travel over an hour to find an inclusive playground. "Conner, Cayden and their friends and families are now able to play together," said Mike Sutton, vice president of sales for Miracle Recreation. "We're thrilled that White House will now be a destination for families throughout the region," he added. "It means so much to have an area where Conner and Cayden can play together," said Jenny Long, the mother of the boys. "The playground represents the spirit that motivated the boys to participate in triathlons together." For design ideas for the playground, Miracle collaborated with GNF Marketing Group of Armonk, N.Y., to create a special panel: Conner, chairman of Miracle Recreation's Not So Bored of Directors; former NASA astronaut Terence Henricks; surfer Clay Marzo; occupational therapist Dr. Zoe Mailloux; and Olympic/elite development team gymnast Katie Currier. Special thanks go to Miracle of Kentucky and Tennessee for the design and installation of the playground. USA Shade and Fabric Structures also donated the all important shade protection. Cardinal Greatwide Logistics waived the freight charges, and GNF Marketing facilitated the partnership with Team Long Brothers. Miracle Recreation Equipment Company www.miracle-recreation. com , a leading commercial playground equipment manufacturer, is based in Monett, Missouri. It was founded in 1927 by Claude Ahrens, who patented the Whirl, the merry-go-round, carousel-type revolving structure that generations of kids grew up playing on. Miracle Recreation Donates Inclusive Playground in White House, Tenn. - Long Brothers Inspire Playground Jeff and Jenny Long, of White House, Tenn., with their sons Cayden, age 9 (left) and Conner, age 10, on the new inclusive playground donated by Miracle Recreation in honor of the boys' inspirational story. Cayden's cerebral palsy keeps him from walking, but Conner takes him in tow on everything from triathlons to fun runs. I n f o r m a t i o n R e q u e s t # 5 4 4 96-97.indd 96 5/22/14 8:19 AM