Boundless Opens Indoor Playground at Newark Center

Newark, OH June 30, 2022 – After months of renovations, I Am Boundless, Inc. has finished construction on a large indoor playground at their Newark location. This specially designed playground provides their students with a year-round space to get exercise and play regardless of oppressive heat or winter snow. At this location, Boundless serves approximately 20 children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and behavioral health challenges.

The new indoor playground was made possible by the generosity of multiple donors. Ingram White Castle donated $25,000 to the playground, Licking County Foundation donated $10,000 to the project and the John & Mary Alford Foundation donated $10,000.

“Licking County Foundation’s (LCF) mission to improve the quality of life for all citizens of Licking County is made possible by the generous donors who created our 300 funds. The accessible indoor playground at the I Am Boundless Newark campus reflects the wishes of Thomas M. Kier Memorial fund donors to support children with disabilities. The project not only supports the mental and physical health of children with disabilities, but it also encourages inclusive play, providing joy for children of all abilities. We’re pleased to support this project that aligns with LCF’s priority areas regarding the importance of community development and health,” said Amy Dell, program officer, Licking County Foundation.

With the summer heat, the children have been using the indoor playground frequently. The large playground includes special flooring and padding on the walls for added safety.

“The funding we received enabled us to make our dream of an indoor playground become a reality. This space allows children to have a place where they can run, play, and engage in much-needed physical activity year-round without needing to be concerned about the weather. It also provides a space where our outside service providers can work on essential occupational and physical therapy treatments. We’re so thankful for the support of our Newark program and for having others believe in our mission of building a world that realizes the boundless potential of all people,” said Melissa Naegele, MEd, Special Education, clinic director, Boundless Newark Center.  

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I Am Boundless, Inc. is a nonprofit organization with a mission of building a world that realizes the boundless potential of all people. For forty-one years, the Boundless family of nonprofit companies has provided people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and behavioral health challenges the freedom and opportunity to live boundless lives. From residential support and job training to primary care and autism services, we proudly offer person-centered care that celebrates each individual and encourages them to become active participants in the communities where they live, work, and play.