Arc project aims to level playing field for all kids

IOWA CITY — Around this time next year, Wendy Trom's 17-year-old son will have access to a playground unlike any other in Iowa City.

Trom's son, Jackson, has been part of The Arc of Southeast Iowa for about nine years. But throughout that time, the organization — which serves children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities — hasn't had much of an on-site, outdoor facility for the children it serves.

But that's all going to change this summer because of a $75,000 Community Development Block Grant from the city.

'The staff is just as excited about this as the kids,' said Karen DeGroot, president of The Arc of Southeast Iowa. 'It's the park that we all wanted to have when we were little.'

DeGroot said the organization began pursuing a grant for a playground more heavily after a recent reduction in after-school programs in the area.

Though plans for the playground aren't yet final, Jorja Ludeking, quality assurance specialist with The Arc of Southeast Iowa who also is in charge of planning the playground, said it will include various pieces of accessible equipment. That means a swing for children who can't support themselves, a fun-noodle forest large enough for a wheelchair to pass through, play surfaces high enough for children in a wheelchair to use and a cocoon swing for children who like being in an enclosed space.

The playground also will feature a sensory garden with plants for children to see, smell, taste and touch that The Arc plans to work into its curriculum.

Trom said she's excited for how the playground will affect not only her son, but also the other kids.

'Just to have an open place in the community that you could bring your kids to play is wonderful,' Trom said. 'Even elementary school playgrounds aren't always equipped for all needs of kids ... so you can kind of let them go here and they get to explore and get that independence that Jackson's siblings have had, and it's wonderful for them to have that safe space to play.'

The park is being designed in collaboration with Confluence landscape architect Ben Sandell, who is donating his time. He said the park also will feature as much recycled material as possible.

The Arc is looking for volunteers to help build the park, but the group will have help from Joey Trom, Jackson's brother, who is coordinating and helping build one part of the park — the recycled tire dragon.

'My brother is special needs and we are at The Arc a lot, so I wanted to give back to them for all the stuff they've done for my brother by helping them build this park,' the 15-year-old West High student said.

The community service project also will help him work toward earning his Eagle rank.

Ludeking said The Arc is hoping to raise an additional $125,000 for the park, which would help the organization include everything in its 'dream' plan.

The playground likely to be called The pARC is expected to be complete by June 30, 2015.

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