PORTLAND, Ore. -- After one Portland couple found out their child would need a walker to move around, they realized not all playgrounds are designed for kids with disabilities, in mind. They're working to change that. Playgrounds should be a place where all kids can play for hours on end, said April and Cody Goldberg. But not all kids can easily play at Portland's playgrounds. Not long after their daughter Harper, 5, was born, she was diagnosed with Emanuel Syndrome, a rare disorder that causes developmental delays. Harper relies on a small, yellow walker to get around. At all but one park in Portland, she can't even wheel onto the playground. "We started realizing that the swing [at this playground] is little and at some point in the near future, there's going to be nothing for her to do here," said Harper's mother, April. Cody and April want to change that. "Looking at the bigger picture of adults and children who experience disabilities and how we can make it better for them," said April. They contacted the City of Portland which is supporting them fully, but "they just have no budget," said April. The Goldbergs are trying to raise the money to convert the playground at Arbor Lodge Park just three blocks from their North Portland home, to what's referred to as an "all inclusive" playground. After that, they want to look at changing play structures at Portland's schools. "At school and recess there's nothing for [disabled children] to do, but watch," said April. The Goldberg's said the playground in Portland's Washington Park is 70 percent accessible for Harper and people with disabilities, especially because of a specific type of swing, the ramp access and padded pavement. They want a similar playground at Arbor Lodge. "We feel this is necessary because all kids love to play," said April. The Goldberg's want to raise $200,000 by Harper's 6th birthday on June 8, 2011. They want to celebrate her birthday with all the kids playing at the new and improved, inclusive Arbor Lodge playground. If you'd like to learn more about Harper's playground project, head to www.harpersplayground.com
