CLINTONVILLE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Children of all abilities can now play together at a park in Clintonville, thanks to the determination of one local mother and the generosity of her community.
On Wednesday, the Clintonville Chamber hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for the “Play With A Purpose” playground at Olen Park.
Lisa Hill spearheaded the project. Her son, Myles, was born with Down syndrome, and her wish was for her child to be able to play safely with other kids at the playground.
“The idea for this park was born on a hard day. Our son, Myles, was about eight months old, just learning to sit up, and I brought all three of my kids to the park. My older two wanted to put Myles in the swing, and I told them we couldn’t because it wasn’t safe,” Hill said. “That night, I went home and I told my husband, ‘We have to build a park.’”
It was a hard moment for me, because [my kids] said how much they hated Down syndrome and couldn’t believe God would do this to their brother.
Hill’s close friend suggested she start a nonprofit, and that was how “Down With Mylestones” came to life.
Hill went to the city of Clintonville with her idea for an ADA-accessible playground, and the project was welcomed with open arms, despite its hefty cost at over $400,000.
It took years of hard work, but after many fundraisers, golf outings, fish fries and other money-raising initiatives, Hill reached her goal — with the entire community rallying to help make the playground a reality.
“What you see here today is a result of prayer, persistence and the incredible support of this community. To every single person who donated, sponsored, prayed, supported a fundraiser, volunteered or simply believed in this dream, thank you. Whether you gave $5 or $50,000, your support made this possible,” Hill said.
“As a mother, what we want most is for our children to be safe, happy and healthy, and Lisa has gone far beyond that. She’s gone the extra mile and then some — not only for her son Myles, but for so many differently-abled children in our community. Her efforts have opened doors, raised awareness and made real change,” said Tina Schulke, executive director of the Clintonville Chamber.
A plaque will be permanently placed at the park to recognize the special gifts that brought the playground to life.
