By Danny Federico Riverbend News
The Kiwanis Club of Live Oak received a $10,000 grant on Wednesday, April 7. Presented by the Florida Kiwanis Foundation, this money comes from the David and Donna Batelaan Fund, which will assist in funding the club's "Music for All" project to install musical playground equipment for special needs youth.
In order to be awarded the fund, one of the guidelines states the proposed project must contribute "to the achievement of leadership development for young people with physical disabilities..." The club's "Music for All" project is anticipated to do just that by enhancing the existing "Miracle League" at Heritage Park, which is a special baseball field designed with artificial turf to be accessible for those with disabilities.
Before applying for the fund, Kiwanis Club of Live Oak President Danny Hales said the club considered the community's needs. During this time, it was estimated roughly 800 children ages two and up have limited ability to use swings and other equipment. Hales said the club worked in conjunction with both the Suwannee County Parks and Recreation Department and the leadership of Heritage Park to see what kinds of equipment they would be able to add onto the playground.
In their application, Jason Furry of Suwannee County Parks and Recreation endorsed the project, saying "The concerto line of outdoor musical equipment allows children of all abilities to experience and share the joys and benefits of making music. Designed at a more accessible angle and height, these instruments can be played comfortably by all kids, including those with mobility devices. Concerto musical instruments are an easy way to bring inclusive play to any playground."
The Kiwanis Club originally began working on this project in May of 2019, but it remained idle for seven to nine months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Hales, the club resumed their "Music for All" efforts approximately four months ago.
While the project hasn't really been promoted yet, Hales said he anticipates positive feedback from the community. "Kiwanis is all about youth," he said. "We're really excited about this project and want to show that this grant can be used as the Batelaan's intended." The Kiwanis Club of Live Oak is the second Kiwanis group in Florida to receive this funding.
The "Music for All" project will provide Heritage Park's playground with accessible outdoor musical instruments for children between the ages of two and 12. These instruments include: concerto tall chimes, which are large tubular bells; vibes (vibraphone), which is similar to a xylophone and even conga drums, which are a pair of single-headed drums.
Although the equipment has already been ordered, Hales says there is no set time for it to be installed. "The goal is that this will probably be done in five to six months," he said.
Heritage Park's playground is located at 907 Helvenston St. SE, in Live Oak.