Oxford Gets Grant for Inclusive Playground at Seymour Lake Park

“We’re going to remove the existing playground, built in 1993, and install GameTime’s Soaring Saunter play system. It’s more than three times larger than what we have now and has many more engaging features,” said Phil Castonia, director of Oxford Township Parks and Recreation. “The goal is to have it in place by spring 2024. I can’t thank GameTime and mParks enough for selecting us.”

“We had planned to replace the playground in about five years with one of similar size. This grant will allow us to do it a lot sooner and install a much larger system that will meet the current and future needs of residents and visitors,” Castonia added.

Soaring Saunter contains five slides, two towers, swings and assorted climbing elements. It also includes a variety of components designed to promote physical, social, sensory, communicative and cognitive development, including assorted drums, interactive play panels, talking tubes and therapeutic rings.

Of the system’s 22 elevated play components, 13 are accessible by ramp and 18 are accessible by transfer systems (platforms, steps and supports that allow users to reach elevated components without using a wheelchair or mobility device).

“This playground will ensure everyone enjoys equal access. We don’t want anyone to feel excluded. We want everyone to feel welcome when they visit our parks,” Castonia said. “This project will encourage more children and families to reap the many physical, mental and social health benefits associated with outdoor play. Playgrounds help bring families and communities closer together.”

“Children of all abilities will be able to play and learn together in the same space and feel a true sense of belonging,” said Oxford Twp. Communications and Grants Manager C.J. Carnacchio. “This will help break down barriers while building self-confidence and self-esteem. Our goal is to create play experiences that actively promote inclusion, awareness, understanding and unity.”

Carnacchio researched, wrote and submitted the grant proposal in early June.

Oxford Township wishes to thank the 33 individuals, nonprofits, schools, businesses and officials that wrote letters of support for this grant, including All for Oxford Resiliency Center, First Pick Sports, Interim Oxford Community Schools Superintendent Dr. Vickie Markavitch, McLaren Oakland, the principals of Clear Lake, Oxford, Lakeville and Daniel Axford elementary schools (Stephanie Niemi, Jeff Brown, Kristin Guinn and Chad Boyd), Stepping Stones Autism Center, The Goddard School, LakePoint Preschool, Oxford-Addison Youth Assistance, North Oakland Community Coalition, MOMS Club of Lake Orion, Early Childhood Specialist Lydia Ronner, St. Joseph Catholic School Principal Joe Zmikly, Free Meals Program Leader Connie Miller, Journey Lutheran, Funky Monkey Toys, Immanuel Congregational United Church of Christ, Oxford Fire Chief Matthew Majestic, Oakland County Sheriff’s Lt. Scott Patterson, North Oakland VFW Post 334, American Legion Post 108, Judy’s Daycare, Oxford Village Police Chief Mike Solwold, Oxford Chamber of Commerce, Great Lakes Kids Energy Zone, Oxford/Orion FISH, LOFT teacher Jeanne DiCicco, Banbury Cross Therapeutic Equestrian Center, Love INC and Oakland County Commissioner Michael Spisz.