I am extremely proud of my mom. She has worked tirelessly over the past two years toward her dream of having a playground specifically designed for her students with special needs. Together with her friend, Missy, they made that dream a reality this week. There was a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony Wednesday morning. I was so happy I could attend. The playground is dedicated to the memory Jennifer Krockenburger, a mother of one of the students in her classroom that passed away of cancer two years ago. The playground was built in a little unused courtyard that sits right outside the special education classrooms.
The Davis Park building principle, Tammy Rushline did a great job officiating the program. She also recognized how compassionate my mom and Missy both are.
Jennifer's husband talked about how much it meant to Jennifer to have a safe place for her son and other children with special needs to play.
Mom and Missy both gave such touching speeches about Jen and their dream and journey for the playground, there was not a dry eye in the crowd.
Colin, Jen's son, also gave a short speech thanking everyone for coming to his playground. It was a very special moment.
Mom had several friends and family come to celebrate the occasion. We all know just how much blood, sweat and tears went into this project. We were all so happy to be able to celebrate with her.
Instead of releasing balloons they opted for ribbons. It was a happy celebration. The playground was also Evangeline approved. She had a blast climbing the tent.
Colin's Mommy would sure be proud. It's quite a tribute to a woman I know touched a lot of lives.
Me and Auntie. I'm getting her eye wrinkles and I like it.
I always tell people that there are few people in this world as willing to give the shirt off their back to someone as my mom. I'm so blessed to have had someone so special to look up to in my life.
Before losing her battle to cancer two years ago, Jennifer Krockenburger wanted a playground specifically for her special needs child. Her good friend Missy Schaumleffel has a special needs child of her own and worries about his wellbeing.
"You always have the worries about the future of your child, worried about your child getting away from you, or being in danger," said Missy Schaumleffel, who also serves as the PTO Co-President at Davis Park.
Missy and Davis Park Special Education teacher Deborah Walters have worked to make this dream come true for two years.
Now children with special needs like Jennifer's son Collin have their very own fenced in playground that meets their sensory needs.
"It gives them lots of color and noise and things they can touch," Walters explained. "It works on fine motor and gross motor. It helps them get it all together."
Deborah saw just how much impact one mother's dream for her son can have on a community.
"The heavens just opened up in the spring," Walters said. "We started getting donations. They just started pouring in. All of a sudden, it all became a reality."
Both Deborah and Missy can agree that if Jennifer were here today, the playground known as the 'Safe Haven' would make her over the moon excited.
"I think Jen would be very excited, very proud, happy to see that her son finally has a fenced in playground as well as other special needs children," said Missy. "Because she didn't just look out for her son, it was for other kids like her son."
"Jennifer would be thrilled. Jennifer had the sense of humor, the spirit of fun and the music and the ribbons. She would just be over the moon and i know she's smiling down on us right now," Walters said.
Today's dedication makes the Davis Park Safe Haven the only playground geared specifically towards children with special needs in the area.
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