Website launched in support of Melaina's Magical Playland

A not-for-profit organization seeking to build a playground accessible to handicapped children launched a website Sunday. The goal for the playground is to provide children with and without disabilities a place to play together.

"Hopefully with the website we will be able to reach a bigger audience," said Andrea Cunningham, executive director of Melaina Cunningham and Friends Park Fund Inc. She said the website is meant to reach people wanting to donate, and dispel the idea that the playground is only for children with disabilities.

"It's not," she said. "It just doesn't exclude children with disabilities."

When the idea for Melaina's Magical Playland was first pitched the estimated price was $500,000, but that estimate has since been raised to $750,000.

Andrea said the increase was because of unforeseen costs like the price of surfacing the play area with flat rubber or the cost of handicapped restrooms.

"We want to get it right, and not go back and say shoulda-woulda-coulda," Cunningham said.

So far, $350,000 has been raised from donors like the Cape Girardeau County Commission and the Cape Girardeau Noon Optimist Club.

Gravel, shredded rubber and woodchips -- surfaces found at typical parks -- are difficult for people who depend on walkers and wheelchairs, or have mobility issues. A surface of hard rubber, ramps and transfer stations between points on the equipment will aid people with low mobility. Cunningham said the park will also include swings with back rests and straps.

"The idea is to allow children of all ability levels to play together," she said. "It might allow adults with disabilities to play with their children."

The idea for the playland was first conceived in 2008 by Jeff and Andrea Cunningham. Their daughter Melaina needed a place to play and socialize with other children. Melaina had nemaline myopathy, a neuromuscular disorder, and passed away in March 2009 due to complications from pneumonia.

Diane Demarest of Jackson said her 5-year-old son, Tyler, has tried playgrounds, but each time has issues with mobility in pea gravel. Tyler has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition caused by large amounts of cerebral fluid in the cavities of the brain, and is wheelchair-bound.

Demarest said with Melaina's playground her son will be able to maneuver in his wheelchair by himself and interact with other children.

"I don't think most people think about [mobility]," she said. "It's on my mind all the time. Everywhere we go we have to think about accessibility."

Corrie Young of Cape Girardeau has five children. Peyton, 13, and Tate, 3, have been diagnosed a syndrome that causes them to have significant balance issues.

"The playground will provide an exclusive draw from my whole family," Young said.

She said her special-needs sons have problems with socialization.

"My oldest is going into the eighth grade in public school, but outside of school it's hard to carry that over," she said. "So this would be a way to have that inclusion."