LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A Louisville mother is working hard to create an inclusive play space for all children.
Her inspiration is her son Luke.
“Luke is a 4-year-old boy he's got a lot of energy. He likes to run around and play with his friends and play cars,” Sarah Medson said.
Renderings for an inclusive play space at Our Savior Lutheran School
Luke was born prematurely and a traumatic delivery caused him to suffer a cervical cord injury. The family relocated to Louisville from Minnesota so Luke could receive care at Frazier Rehab.
Frazier is recognized as having the top Pediatric NeuroRecovery Program. Luke uses a walker to get around and a wheelchair for longer distances.
“He's just full of life and energy and he wants to engage with the world and not miss out on anything,” Medson said.
Luke said he likes to play football and basketball.
But Sarah Medson noticed that Luke was '"missing out" on playing with other kids during recess at his school Our Savior Lutheran.
"The playground is not accessible and as a mom thinking about your child going out to sit and watch other kids play is just heartbreaking," Medson said.
Medson was introduced to Mitch Barnes, founder of Dream Foundation.
This nonprofit helps to construct accessible playgrounds for children with disabilities.
“She brought her beautiful family over and we had dinner and we talked about 40222 needing an accessible playground,” Barnes said.
He knows first hand that mulch and wheelchairs do not mesh.
“When we realized our son Mitchell could not play at a playground if it had a black rim around it that holds in the mulch, that is a stop area if you're in a wheelchair.” Barnes said.
His foundation has helped create 14 accessible parks across the city.
"We wanted to be part of fixing that instead of being complaining parents," Barnes said.
Construction of an accessible park at Luke's School carries a hefty price tag of $750,000.
With the Dream Foundation's help and the support of the community $350,000 has already been raised just six months.
Luke working on his computer in his classroom
“Ever since we moved to Louisville we've just been embraced with open arms and it just feels like that's just what this city does,” Medson said.
Medson hopes the community can help get them across that finish line.
"Then I can swing around and go all the way back and down. I like to go down stuff in slides," Luke Medson said.
When finished, it will be the only accessible playground in that part of the city.
"The day we cut the ribbon will be a special day for my family,” Medson said.
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