Adam's Adventure: A Place for All to Play

The Tolland community is reaching out to help a young resident in need. A committee has already begun raising funds to build a handicap-accessible playground called Adam's Adventure, which will give every child a place to play.

Adam's Adventure was inspired by , a 7-year-old boy who contracted bacterial meningitis in November 2009.  The bacterial meningitis caused Adam to go into a coma for several months and has left him blind. 

During Adam's battle with the illness many community members approached Adam's family to offer support.  Several people wanted to plan a benefit for the family.  However, Adam's mother, Kate Mlodzinski, wanted money raised to be used towards helping all children with disabilities. 

"I would love to see an accessible playground in town," she said.

Since that day, Adam's Adventure Playground Committee, a group of 40 members from Tolland and surrounding towns, has formed to raise funds for the playground. 

Adam's Adventure will be located in the Cross Farms Recreation Complex.  The playground will span 15,000 square feet and be ADA accessible.  Committee members plan to fund the project through grants, private corporate donations, and fundraisers. 

The overall goal is to build a playground where children of all abilities can play.  Adam's Adventure will accommodate children with mobility impairments, autism spectrum disorders, visual disabilities, auditory impairments, and cognitive impairments. 

The playground will offer something for everyone. Activities offered will include swinging, climbing, and music.  If a child just wants to sit and relax, they will be able to do that, as well.

Currently, the committee is waiting for their tax exempt certification.  Once this is approved, members plan to approach corporations for donations and sponsorship. They also will apply for grants to help with funding. 

Meanwhile, the group is raising funds on a smaller scale.  They recently held a beer tasting event and golf tournament, and also sold shirts, cupcakes, and bracelets to raise money.  Through these efforts, $30,000 has been raised in just four months.

The groups next fundraising event is set to take place September 10, 2011 at the Brialee Campground located in Ashford. This "Family Fun Day" will run from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.  Tickets will cost $15 for adults and $10 for children.  A maximum fee of $50 will be accepted per family. 

Price of admission will include entrance to the campground, use of park amenities and participation in activities such as: bocce ball, sumo suit wresting, ping pong, and swimming.  Several activities with require an additional fee. Food will be served and a candy buffet will be available, as well. 

Check out the Adam's Adventure Web site or Facebook page for more information on upcoming events.

For those wishing to donate, checks can be made out to Adam's Adventure and sent to: P.O. Box 76, Tolland, CT 06084