Leo’s Pride Foundation, in partnership with Contract Construction, the Saluda Shoals Foundation, and the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission, will host a Groundbreaking Celebration for the expansion of Leo’s Landing Inclusive Playground August 12 at 10 am at Saluda Shoals Park East, 6071 St. Andrews Road, Columbia. The public is invited for refreshments following the ceremony.
“The expansion of Leo’s Landing will add an additional two acres of inclusive play space to the existing playground, completing the long term vision for the project” said Meredith Bugenske. “The design is a result of brainstorming sessions with teachers, school administrative staff, inclusion nonprofit representatives, parents, community leaders, business representatives, board members and park staff. These groups imagined a playground to address the needs of all people.”
While many objectives were met in the first phase of the project, several additional features are needed to complete the vision, including:
• Connection Park – a musical entryway sets the tone for a low energy, decompression space providing opportunities for interpersonal connections in intimate spaces including a reading and kindness corner, hammock park, hobbit village, and a whimsical tree
• Mogul Village – an off-trail adventure with topography changes to encourage imaginative exploration, experimentation, and unstructured play like running, jumping, rolling, and climbing through various terrain and equipment challenges.
• Mogul Outpost – Featuring a revolutionary swing where multiple children of all abilities can swing together and an open format and a play scape structure
• Zip Krooz – a high thrill two-way zip line which includes recumbent and disc seats for diverse skills and bodies
Designed by Morgan Grimball, Grimball Cotterill Landscape Architects and constructed by Contract Construction, this $1.7 million expansion to the existing playground will transform the area into an immersive experience that connects children and adults of all abilities with nature. The expansion project is expected to be complete in early 2022, and sponsorship opportunities are still open for residents, organizations, and businesses. More information can be found at LeosPride.org.
Leo’s Pride Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded in honor of Leo Bugenske. Leo’s Pride serves to foster inclusion in our community for children and families of all abilities through advocacy, education and project development. For more information about the Leo’s Pride Foundation, contact Meredith Bugenske at [email protected].
