Members of the NASCAR and Iredell County communities joined Rescue Ranch today at its groundbreaking for its inclusive playground. It will be the first of its kind in Iredell County.

The nonprofit animal welfare organization’s 10,000-square foot playground will be inclusive encompassing elements for children with all abilities. The new playground will play a part in Rescue Ranch’s educational programs to promote respect for animals and responsible pet ownership, as well as agricultural, environmental and wildlife conservation by providing an additional place for all to play including Critter Campers, school groups and more.

“We couldn’t be more excited to break ground on our inclusive playground, today,” said Krissie Newman, co-founder and president of the nonprofit organization. “This isn’t just any playground, it’s something that is all inclusive. Kids that have walking sticks, wheelchairs or kids with autism or other development issues will be able to play here with kids with all abilities. It’s a big deal for a family to have one place where all of their kids can play without someone being left out.”

According to the American Occupational Therapy Association, almost 62 percent of children with disabilities have difficulties finding parks where they can play.

“Life with a disability is just different. If you’re not a parent or teacher to a special needs child, it’s easy to forget the world isn’t accessible to everyone,” said Trish Carpenter, mom of a special needs child in Iredell County. “The one thing we hardly ever do is go to a playground because our experiences have not been good. Therefore, we are overjoyed for our daughter to finally have a playground she can play on with other children and appreciative of Rescue Ranch for filling this need in the community.”

The playground is scheduled to be completed by mid-May with a ribbon cutting on Saturday, June 3, 2017. Naming opportunities are still available. For more information, please call (704) 768-0909 or visit rescueranch.com, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

For a rendering of the playground and more groundbreaking photos, visit http://bit.ly/2nhUY1i.