Kiroli Park | Civitan Smiles Park | West Monroe, LA | Project Update - 5/27/17

May 28, 2017  •  1 Comment

The West Monroe Civitan Smiles Park (Smiles Park) project began with the vision of the West Monroe Civitan Club to create a playground specifically for children with disabilities. After collaborating with Shane’s Inspiration for the development of the playground the Civitan Club realized that Smiles Park shouldn’t be just for ”children with disabilities”, but a playground for all children. Thus, Smiles Park has been designed as an inclusive playground that will be attractive and safe for all children to simply play together without physical or social barriers.

The Civitan Club is a civic club of 40 local businessmen. The club was chartered by Civitan International in 1959. Civitans are everyday people within your community who come together to support organizations devoted to the improvement of lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities. 
The club's annual fund-raiser, the Ark-La-Miss Fair and Livestock Show, is held annually in September. Fair proceeds of more than $50,000 are donated annually to local community non-profit projects, including the new Smiles Park at Kiroli.

In March 2013, the West Monroe Civitan Club and the City of West Monroe entered into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement that began to make Smiles Park a reality. The club agreed to spearhead the playground project and made an initial contribution of $200,000.00 toward the playground construction. The City of West Monroe provided a location within Kiroli Park and agreed to construct a fully accessible pavilion to accompany the playground. The City also agreed to accept ownership and maintenance of the playground once construction is complete. Shane’s Inspiration, a non-profit organization dedicated to the establishment of inclusive playgrounds across the country and overseas, has designed the playground and will coordinate outreach and education programs to help fulfill the park’s mission…bringing all children together to play!

Because the dream of Smiles Park began with the West Monroe Civitan Club's work at the Ark-La-Miss Fair, Shane’s Inspiration designed the playground around a carnival theme. With your help, Smiles Park will become a place where all children and their families can experience the laughter, fun and joy of a day at the Fair…anytime they choose.

Links of interest:

VIDEO

PANORAMIC AERIAL TOUR

PHOTOS


Comments

Keshar Scott(non-registered)
This park is so nice , my baby loved it !
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