Playground Update Project

Building a Playground the Centers the Needs of Adults with Disabilities

Project Overview

At the farm, we center the needs of our visitors so that everyone who arrives can feel, “Hey, this place was made for me!” Our swingset has brought joy to many visitors over the years and is now ready for some well-deserved updates. We’re excited to re-envision the farm’s playground and swingset area with new accessibility features - all with a focus on our core population: adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Project Supporters

This project would not be possible without the generous support of our community. We are so grateful to the hard work of our committee (Lisa & Chuck Evert, Rob Morrow, Michelle Yarmakov, Madalyn OReilly, & Bruce Jacobson) as well as the following partners for their investment in this project.

Taylor Family Farms Foundation

Treasure Island Resort & Casino

Northfield Shares

Interested in supporting? Your sponsorship or donation will help bring this project to life so that thousands of community members can benefit! Remaining support will directly move the project from planning to completion, creating a lasting community resource that expands recreational opportunities for adults with disabilities in our region. Contact hello@agreatdayfarm.org for our supporter prospectus.

Project Timeline

Our current timeline is:

Community Consultation & Design (March–April 2026)
Final designs are approved, equipment is ordered, and remaining funds are secured.

Groundbreaking & Community Build (April–May 2026)
Site preparation begins with a community excavation & volunteer day. Sponsors are acknowledged on-site and in event communications.

Construction & Installation (June–July 2026)
Core infrastructure, play structures, and accessible ground surfacing are installed.

Completion & Celebration (July–August 2026)
Final play elements and plantings are installed, followed by a community celebration recognizing sponsors and welcoming participants and caregivers to our new space.

Project Plans

Thanks to the hard work of our planning committee, we’re excited to share a design concept that includes multiple access points to swings, a mix of ground materials to enhance accessibility, and features that support the needs of both individuals and caregivers—among other thoughtful elements. This project will:

  • Excavate the existing ground container

  • Install new footings for a redesigned swingset structure

  • Incorporate new swings for adults with diverse accessibility needs

  • Embed new seating zones to support participant/caregiver interactions

  • Install concrete, poured-in-place rubber & engineered wood fiber for accessible & cost-effective ground material.

These designs reflect in-depth collaboration with a leadership committee of local parents and participants, supported by the expertise of a trusted landscape architect. The plan continues to evolve as we incorporate new perspectives, funding opportunities, and ideas.

An aerial mock-up of the playground

Project Budget

We anticipate a total project cost of $85,000–$100,000 to bring this playground to life. Playground equipment designed specifically to meet the needs of adults and adolescents with disabilities requires specialized materials and safety features, which increases costs. Our design balances these essential accessibility features with thoughtful, cost-effective planning to maximize impact.

Primary Expenses:

  • Excavation & Labor: $10,000–$15,000

  • Ground Materials: $35,000

  • Play Structure & Swings: $20,000–$25,000

  • Landscape Materials: $15,000 - $20,000

How You Can Support Us

This project is an all hands on deck effort! We are grateful for support in a variety of ways. In particular, we are seeking:

  • Financial Sponsorship (contact hello@agreatdayfarm.org for supporter prospectus)

  • In-Kind Contributions (especially related to excavation, construction, landscaping & more)

  • Volunteer Support (share your interest in helping us on our build days!)

Community Input

Our playground committee is hard at work creating a vision guided by community needs and we’d love your input! What would you like to see at the farm? Share your input below!