"It's for the entire community:" Glendale raises money for all abilities playground in a colorful way

GLENDALE -- Hundreds laced up in Glendale for a very colorful morning. Saturday, October 10th, members of Parkway Elementary are raising money to build an all inclusive playground -- but the project isn't cheap.

Glendale color run

"We have a lot of friends here at Parkway that can't use our playground in its current state," said Sara Strunk, race organizer.

Designs for the new playground shows a space with a flat padded surface, wider walkways and wheelchair friendly equipment.

Designs for a new Parkway Elementary playground

"I think it's great we are creating playgrounds for the kids to include everybody," said Katie Staacke, 7th grade teacher/volunteer.

Glendale color run

But a project like this isn't cheap -- the cost is upwards of $250,000. So before the school can break ground, it has to pound the pavement with a color run.

"5K and we've got the color stations set up and I've seen new friends and old friends and I am so happy to be here today," said Strunk.

For their trouble, runners are doused in colored water. Organizers say inclusion has been happening for years inside the classroom with students, but now it's time to take that outside to the playground.

"They are losing precious recess time with their peers and their classmates and this will lead to that. It's not just for Parkway though, it's for the entire community," said Strunk.

Strunk hopes the school can start building next spring.

Prior to the run, Parkway was awarded a state grant to kickstart their fundraising. Grant money for the Wisconsin Board for People with Disabilities will help the district raise awareness about the project.

Glendale color run