Boundless Playground of Corkscrew Community

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
Margaret Mead

Barb Southwick experienced the same frustrations with exclusion as many parents of children with disabilities. Barb has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the benefits of inclusion. Through her efforts and those of her “small group of thoughtful, committed citizens” and with the support of the Collier County Department of Exceptional Student Education, the Florida Diagnostic Learning Resources System/Suncoast Associate Center, the Family Network on Disabilities, and the Florida Inclusion Network/FGCU, she arranged placement of Professional Resource Libraries in 30 Collier County Schools and Abilities Awareness training at ten local schools. These efforts continue during the coming school year.

Barb and Cassy Pangaribaun continued their efforts to transcend the classroom by forming a non-profit organization and raising money for the installation of a Boundless Playground at their children’s school, Corkscrew Elementary. Through their dedication, support of their group, and the contributions from the community and volunteers, their vision of an accessible playground has come to fruition. Now children with and without disabilities can learn and play alongside one another. Now all children with disabilities, including those with severe disabilities, can have a more “typical” school experience.

Their hope is that the Boundless Playground will become the standard and model for all new playgrounds across the nation.

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