Augusta At Play
Why We Exist
Augusta At Play helps every person live fully engaged life through fully accessible parks and playgrounds inclusively designed for ALL ages, abilities and mobilities. Our model, equip2play, uses a two pronged approach, BUILD & TEACH. The BUILD arm specifically employs The 7 Principles of Inclusive Design, developed by experts at PLAYCORE, standards that far exceed minimal ADA requirements and typical equipment, creating real play and recreational opportunities for all ages, abilities and mobilities. The TEACH arm provides age appropriate programs designed to increase awareness and understanding of disabilities and build relationships. There are two initiatives under equip2play, (1) Augusta County Community, and (2) Augusta County Public Elementary Schools. Each initiative will bring critical resources that will support the health and wellness of residents of Augusta County.
What We Do
Augusta At Play provides many services at no cost tailored specifically to meet a project needs, capacity and overall purpose. Our services include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Conduct Feasibility Study
2. Facilitate Design Charrettes – creative planning with stakeholders (residents, students, teachers, aides, OT/PT and administrators.)
3. Provide Design Concept(s) with Phase/Tiered Build Approach option(s) with our Licensed Landscape Architect and rigorously vetted and qualified vendors
4. Overall Project Management & Timelines
installation logistics & interface with project related Operations & Maintenance/ vendors*/contractors
*quality, pricing, noted for excellence inclusive design & equipment
5. Building Campaign Funds
Sponsorship Program
Events
Who We Serve
Augusta At Play’s mission supports the health and wellness of all residents and visitors/tourists in Augusta County, Waynesboro and Staunton of all ages, abilities and mobilites. All ages, including newborns to seasoned adults of all abilities and mobilities. All abilities and mobilites encompasses, but are not limited to, conditions and or disabilities such as arthritis and other musculoskeletal problems, heart disease, lung or respiratory problems, diabetes, stroke, cancer and its treatment, nervous system disorders (Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS, Epilepsy), autism, deafness/hearing impairment, blindness/vision impairment, developmental delays, emotional disturbance, mental illness, intellectual disability, orthopedic impairment and traumatic brain-injury.
Where We Serve
Why Community Members Support Our Work
Augusta County, Waynesboro and Staunton community members support our work because it brings important resources locally that supports health, wellbeing and inclusivity. Our initiatives are looked upon favorably for a multitude of reasons, and will highlight summarized reasons per each initiative.
Community Initiative: First and foremost a fully accessible park inclusively designed will provide a beautiful respite where community can come together. There will be something for everyone, from trails/paths, gardens, well shaded picnic areas, playgrounds, teen challenge course, senior/adult fitness area, to a splash pad with interactive water features. Based on 2019 Augusta Health’s Needs Assessment, there is a need countywide for accessible recreational opportunities for both adults and children to promote health and well being.
School Initiative: Area elementary schools are making tremendous progress toward cultivating inclusive classroom environments. We are looking to extend this inclusive environment outside of the classroom to the playgrounds so ALL students can engage in meaningful play experiences. Often children with disabilities are unable to access equipment or engage in play. There is a clear need based on nationwide bullying & school violence to promote awareness, understanding and acceptance to our youngest community members.
How Volunteers Contribute to our Work:
Augusta County, Waynesboro and Staunton community members support our work because it brings important resources locally that supports health, wellbeing and inclusivity. Our initiatives are looked upon favorably for a multitude of reasons, and will highlight summarized reasons per each initiative.
Community Initiative: First and foremost a fully accessible park inclusively designed will provide a beautiful respite where community can come together. There will be something for everyone, from trails/paths, gardens, well shaded picnic areas, playgrounds, teen challenge course, senior/adult fitness area, to a splash pad with interactive water features. Based on 2019 Augusta Health’s Needs Assessment, there is a need countywide for accessible recreational opportunities for both adults and children to promote health and well being.
School Initiative: Area elementary schools are making tremendous progress toward cultivating inclusive classroom environments. We are looking to extend this inclusive environment outside of the classroom to the playgrounds so ALL students can engage in meaningful play experiences. Often children with disabilities are unable to access equipment or engage in play. There is a clear need based on nationwide bullying & school violence to promote awareness, understanding and acceptance to our youngest community members.
How You Can Offer Your Charitable Donations:
We welcome gifts in-kind, including:
Marketing, Printing, Design, Search Engine Optimization/ Land / Catering, Venues/ Fencing / Build and Heavy Equipment / Land Excavation/ Construction Labor / Building Architect
How Volunteers Contribute to our Work:
Augusta County, Waynesboro and Staunton community members support our work because it brings important resources locally that supports health, wellbeing and inclusivity. Our initiatives are looked upon favorably for a multitude of reasons, and will highlight summarized reasons per each initiative.
Community Initiative: First and foremost a fully accessible park inclusively designed will provide a beautiful respite where community can come together. There will be something for everyone, from trails/paths, gardens, well shaded picnic areas, playgrounds, teen challenge course, senior/adult fitness area, to a splash pad with interactive water features. Based on 2019 Augusta Health’s Needs Assessment, there is a need countywide for accessible recreational opportunities for both adults and children to promote health and well being.
School Initiative: Area elementary schools are making tremendous progress toward cultivating inclusive classroom environments. We are looking to extend this inclusive environment outside of the classroom to the playgrounds so ALL students can engage in meaningful play experiences. Often children with disabilities are unable to access equipment or engage in play. There is a clear need based on nationwide bullying & school violence to promote awareness, understanding and acceptance to our youngest community members.
Contact Information:
Teri Adams, Founder & Executive Director
45 Beatrice CT
Fishersville,
Virginia
22939