My name is Robert.

I am eight years old, and I am in the second grade at Guy Lee Elementary School in Springfield. I love to go to playgrounds and play with my friends and my cousins. I like to ride on swings and go super-fast. I like to be a bit of a daredevil, just like other boys my age.

My mom will drive me three hours away so I can experience the simple joy of playing at a playground. 

Why the three-hour drive? Because there aren’t any parks nearby that I can easily access.

I was born with a genetic condition that affects my balance, coordination, and speech. I use a wheelchair to help me get around. The bark chips that are used at many local playgrounds make it hard for me to access the playground equipment. Many times, I am sidelined, where I watch others play without getting to play myself. That’s why my mom drives me three hours away … so I can experience the simple joy of playing on a playground with my friends.

The Arc Park is going to change this. I will be able to move freely throughout the park, without any barriers. I will be able to swing with my peers. Even better, I’m going to get to ride a zip line where I’ll be able to race my friends. And there’s going to be an accessible sandbox where I can wheel my chair right up and dig and build, alongside my friends.

The Arc Park will help ensure everyone has what they need to learn, play, and grow.  I will no longer have to sit and watch. Now I’ll be able to play and be a daredevil, without anything to get in my way!

Won’t you play a part and help build the Arc Park?

No more driving three hours away. 

Your generous giving will give me and future generations of children a safe place to play right here in our community. Now that will be super awesome!

Thank you for helping me and countless other children and families!

Robert