Listen: Marc Laver talks about a Play Date for Kids of All Abilities this Saturday, May 7 at Southside Park in Sacramento. Laver talks about raising funds for a Merry Go Round that accommodates kids in wheelchairs. Marc started the fundraiser in the memory of his late son Jonnie.
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About Universal Universe Playground
Opened in 2005, Southside Park’s Universal Universe playground located in Sacramento was one of Northern California’s first fully accessible playgrounds. Featuring accessible play structures, padded surfaces, access ramps and handrails, kids of all abilities and their parents were able to enjoy safe and fun-filled play days. The playground’s colorful, space-themed rides and solar system artwork provide a bright, happy, and magical area for kids of all abilities to feel included.
Designated play areas provide kids from ages 2-12 with age appropriate features to explore and enjoy. In addition to standard playground structures, like climbing apparatuses and swings, it features central seating, therapeutic gardens and innovate art sculptures.
https://www.cityofsacramento.org/ParksandRec/Parks/Park-Directory/Central-City/Southside-Park
The late Jonnie Laver
Jonnie and Friends Reach for the Stars is a tribute to Jonnie Laver. As a young child, Jonnie loved the outdoors and playing with friends. After complications from meningitis, Jonnie became reliant on a wheelchair for mobility, and his family devoted their time to finding opportunities for Jonnie to play and thrive.
Following Jonnie’s passing in 2019, the Laver family wanted to to give back to the community. That’s when they set the wheels in motion to restore Universal Universe’s playground to its previous glory by launching Jonnie and Friends Reach for the Stars.