One young girl started a mission of inclusion for others with disabilities before she died
A lot of children have good ideas, but not all of them are like Olivia Bloomfield.
Before this 10-year-old died of congenital muscular dystrophy in July, she spearheaded and witnessed the grand opening of Olivia’s Playground, 323 Center St. The park is the only all-inclusive playground of its kind in Salina, giving children with disabilities a place to play.
Olivia and her grandparents, Sid and Susy Reitz, wanted to create an outdoor space where all children, including those with disabilities, could explore and play. She also advocated for a park in Leawood.
Her mother, Sara Bloomfield, who described Olivia as “an extraordinary little girl,” witnessed Olivia’s activism and loving spirit first-hand the day of the park’s grand opening in 2019.
“She absolutely adored playing there and loved the different components that make up the park,” Bloomfield said. “She was very aware of her own special needs and others’ needs too.”
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Olivia's Playground
The park sits on the northeast corner of Fourth and Center streets near Oakdale Park and not far from the Salina Regional Health Center. It features swings, two fully accessible play structures, a butterfly garden, slides, a Merry-Go-All, and a quarter-mile walking path. The ground’s surface is coated with poured-in-place rubber for safety.
Last year, a holiday lights display was added, providing the community a place to view lights up-close without physical barriers. Onlookers will hopefully see a new piece or two added to the thematic displays this holiday season, according to Marla McElderry, executive director of Salina Regional Health Foundation.
“The Christmas lights were inspired by Olivia, specifically by our trip to Big Cedar. It was all accessible and she could get there. That spurred my dad to add the holiday display at the park,” Bloomfield said.
She noted that while the park provides an all-inclusive place for children to play since its launch, she sees the potential to add shaded areas and restrooms. But, she said, she is grateful for the park.
More: Olivia Bloomfield Life Story
“Thank you for the continued effort to build what was a wonderful idea. I appreciate all that they do," Bloomfield said. "It’s a best-in-class playground.”
Helping the Salina community with an all-inclusive park
Others in the community are equally as appreciative of Olivia’s Playground, including Joyce Tower, director of the infant child development at SRHC. She uses the playground as a site for physical, occupational and speech therapy sessions.
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“The families we see typically use the park a lot, especially when the weather is good. There were no other opportunities for most of the children without that park. We’re blessed as a community to have this incredible facility.”
Trower said that families travel from out of town and often across state lines to experience the park.
“In terms of equipment, I think there’s some great opportunities there,” said Trower. “Children who use a walker or wheelchair can use the play wall from a seated or standing position.”
The community’s feedback continues to show support for the park.
Sam Collier, 8, and his brother Oliver, 6, enjoy the specially constructed zip line. Their older sister Audrey, 10, said the park is "more comfortable."
Joanie Collier, the children's mother, said they come to the park often, calling it unique.
“We have had an overwhelmingly large amount of positive responses to the park and all it has to offer,” said McElderry of the Salina Regional Health Foundation.
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Expanding all-inclusive spaces to the Midwest
In the spirit of Olivia’s activism, the Olivia Bloomfield Foundation has projects underway to help develop all-inclusive spaces for others throughout the Midwest. Its goal is to facilitate one playground per year. Additionally, the foundation wants to support inclusive community programs for dance and theater participants.
And that’s just what Olivia would have wanted, her mother said. Olivia taught others how to find joy and positivity in every scenario every day.
Since Olivia’s death in July, her positive impact on the community continues to affect others. Bloomfield recently received a letter from their mail carrier thanking Olivia for her selflessness.
“It read, ‘You smiled at me. You said "thank you." You always waved. And you made me feel good,’” Bloomfield said.
Today, children and adults of all ages and abilities have a place where they can go and feel good; it's Olivia’s Playground. The park is open to the public from dawn to dusk.
This article originally appeared on Salina Journal: Salina playground helps children with disabilities thrive
