Lion Park

By Ben Pamplin, Leadership Temple graduate, VP and COO of Heart of Texas Landscape & Irrigation Co., Inc.

Above and below: The community of Temple, Texas along with other businesses and individuals donated not only time, but also money to make this park a success. Heart of Texas Landscape & Irrigation Co., Inc. was highly involved in the making of this playground. Photos courtesy of Heart of Texas Landscape & Irrigation Co., Inc.

Disabled youths in Temple, Texas can now enjoy a playground designed specifically for their needs. Ben Pamplin, Leadership Temple graduate, VP and COO of Heart of Texas Landscape & Irrigation Co., Inc., in conjunction with 2008-2009 Leadership Temple graduates and Temple Parks Foundation raised more than $150,000 in order to provide an all-accessible playground.

The playground was designed to provide play opportunities for children with mental and physical disabilities. Heart of Texas Landscape & Irrigation Co., Inc. donated $6,000 worth of irrigation (Rain Bird), sod, trees, ornamental grass and shrub installation, in addition to Pamplin & the Leadership Temple group making the playground a reality through fund raising and countless presentations.

The playground brings the sand to the child with elevated sand tables where a child in a wheelchair can play alongside other kids. The playground also features three large interconnected decks, swings, a whirl, a seesaw, a freestanding hammock and more. Everything is designed with accessibility and inclusion in mind.

The all Access playground at Lion Park was designed specifically for disabled youths. The park features ramps that fit the standards of the American Disabilities Act and equipment, making it easier for the disabled to swing, slide and play.

May 22, 2010 Park ribbon cutting dedication. Attendees were all smiles while enjoying a day at the park.

Parents And Children Benefit

A story that touched the hearts of the individuals involved in this project was of a woman who had two children, one confined to a wheelchair and one who was not. Without the playground, she faced deciding to sit with her one child while the other played, or leave the other child sitting on the outside of the playground looking in. Now parents in a similar situation won't have to make those daunting choices.

Also, being that Temple is located near Fort Hood, many wounded soldiers returning home will be able to take their children to the playground, all while being accessible to most disabilities they may have incurred.