Come out to 3840 N. Holland-Sylvania Road at 6:00 pm on August 14th, 2025 to help us celebrate the grand opening of Sylvania's First Inclusive & Accessible Community Playground! All community members are welcome to join for the ribbon cutting ceremony and enjoy play for ALL ABILITIES!
We appreciate all of our wonderful community members that came out to support the building of our Inclusive & Accessible playground!
Johns Manville F3 Metroparks Toledo The Ability Center
Sylvania Lions Club Carpenters Local Union UT Football SJS Investment Services
We are so grateful for our meal sponsors that kept our volunteers fed and hydrated!
Inside the Five Brewing Company
Palacio Maya
Erin Ann's Homemade Ice Cream & Juices
Netty’s Chili Dogs
FiA
Photo Credit: JEM Photography & Robin Couch
Video Credit: Flanders Creatives
Having trouble accessing the video? Watch on YouTube instead: https://youtu.be/2NvQ5f7Oy6s?si=n-Zknlm5qoQ4-qyX
Through teamwork, collaboration and the support of our community, we aspire to develop an inclusive and accessible outdoor playground that allows both typically developing children and children with special needs a place to play alongside one another. The playground will address physical accessibility as well as sensory, emotional and cognitive accessibility.
The disabled community, especially disabled children and their families, are faced with daily challenges that typically developing children do not have to face. Socialization through play is often taken for granted. Play fosters social, emotional and physical development. When children have the opportunity to participate in play alongside their peers, they grow, they develop, they find joy. An accessible playground will inspire friendships, promote kindness and diversity and encourage inclusivity.
The Stranahan Elementary Parent Teacher Association of Sylvania was organized in 1990 and is a registered 501(c)3 public non-profit. As a PTA, our team is composed of volunteers that dedicate their time with the goal of improving the welfare of children.
Funding required to commence the project is $650,000 and includes equipment, accessible surfacing and installation. Accessible surfacing, a critical component in making the playground accessible, represents 30% of the project budget.
While the playground will reside on the grounds of Stranahan Elementary, the playground will be accessible to the entire community. Wildwood MetroPark connects directly to the site and Sylvania Recreation baseball fields are adjacent to the site making it an ideal location for all to enjoy.
This playground is more than just a place to for children to play, it's a statement for our community. It shows that we value everyone, that we embrace differences. It teaches children that people with disabilities shouldn't be separated or segregated. They should be included and supported. This project will create awareness and provide an atmosphere of respect, acceptance and independence. Ultimately, it will give children of all abilities a chance to play alongside one another because they deserve it.
“As a parent of a child with disabilities, people are often unsure how to greet my son in public. Some stare, some look the other way, others attempt to give their own children an explanation as to why my son is different. My advice is always the same, just treat him like you would any other kid. He may not be able to physically participate in activities the same way or communicate how much fun he’s having verbally, but the joy he feels when he’s included illuminates the darkest room. His smile is infectious, his heart is huge and his bravery is unparalleled. He simply needs a chance to be included.”
-Tara Haye, Sylvania Twp. resident & parent
Photo Credit: JEM Photography
Donation Checks can be made payable to:
Stranahan Elementary PTA
3840 N. Holland-Sylvania Road
Toledo, Ohio 43615
Contact us at StranahanPTO@gmail.com
Follow us on Facebook at Stranahan Elementary Parent Teacher Association
Stranahan Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is a registered 501(c)3 public non-profit.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMITMENT TO MAKING THE FUTURE ACCESSIBLE FOR OUR COMMUNITY!