4 x 8 = $50
8 x 8 = $100
8 x 8 (with logo) = $200
Our inspiration for
Julie’s Jungle was based on a letter written by Natalie Keating in response to a
writing assignment for her English class. Although, Julie has since died,
Natalie’s wish has been the motivation for our organization. The site will have
‘rubberized’ ground cover so that children in wheelchairs will be able to move
around, enjoy a sensory garden, and use play panels with Braille writing.
Here are some excerpts
from Natalie’s letter to the Town of East Fishkill Recreation Director:
“Hello! I’m a twelve year
old girl who is a seventh grade student at Van Wyck Jr. High School. My
teacher…assigned us a project where we will be writing a letter to someone
famous or someone who can make a change, so I chose to write to you. My sister,
Julie, passed away in November of 2007 and she was a special needs girl. When
she was still alive, my mother requested a special swing for the recreation
center so my sister would have something to do. There are still so many boys and
girls like my sister that just sit there while all the other kids play. Even if
they want to go on the swing, for some of them it’s hard to walk on the
woodchips.
“When I would play on the
playground with my friends, I would be having so much fun but then I would look
over to my mom and sister to see that they’d just be sitting there. My point is
that I would feel guilty when I realized that Julie didn’t choose not to play,
but she couldn’t because there was nothing she could do. So I am asking you if
you could try to find a way to add or replace some equipment with equipment that
is handicap accessible. If you do so, I believe the park will get a better a
reputation because people will tell each other, “Hey! That’s the park that has
equipment for average kids and special needs kids.”
Julie’s Jungle is
inspired by a little girl who, without words, could bring a community together.
Julie was a very special girl who touched many hearts with her laughter and
smile. Like Julie, this will be a special playground for everyone. It will
always make children smile. Julie reminded us that it is the simple things in
life that are most important. Julie loved pictures and books; she enjoyed music,
going to school, swimming, and therapeutic horseback riding. Most of all, she
loved to be outside.
Julie would have liked a
playground where she could be pushed in her wheelchair or could have walked
independently while holding the handrails. Julie’s Jungle will provide many
colors and textures for all children to experience. We would love to see a
playground built without limitations for any child; this is something Julie
would have wanted. Most of all, she would have enjoyed watching children do all
the things they are capable of doing.
We appreciate your
support to make this project happen for every child to enjoy.
~ The Keating family
Our Mission
Statement
The mission of Julie’s
Jungle is to create an accessible playground for all children of all abilities
to interact with family
and friends.
Our Vision
• Construct a state of
the art adaptive playground
• Remove all barriers,
offering an opportunity for all children to play
• Strive to give all
children a fulfilling, educational, and fun environment
The Playground
will include:
- Accessible routes and paths throughout
- Short Stair heights
- Ramps
- Braille play panels
- Spacious decks
- Sensory garden
Share Our Dream For All Children to Play. Julie’s Jungle is a not-for-profit organization raising awareness and building an adaptive playground for all children, especially those with special needs, in the Town of East Fishkill, NY.
