Children of all abilities will soon have a playground at Wadewitz Elementary where they can have fun thanks to the generosity and kindness of one woman.
Kathy Ippolite, of Waukesha, donated $100,000 to the playground fund after hearing about efforts to raise money for an accessible playground. She is the aunt of Wadewitz teacher Lisa Johnson and delivered the check Tuesday, much to the surprise of everyone there.
Special education teacher Krista Munoz is thrilled that her students, all of whom are wheelchair bound, will finally have the opportunity to play.
“To know that the students in my classroom will finally have a playground that is accessible for them to play … is unbelievable. They will now have daily access with their regular education peers! I cannot wait!” she told Racine Unified.
Teachers, staff, parents and the community have been raising money for the playground, reaching a total of $45,000. The additional funds puts them that much closer to their goal.
Accessible playgrounds can cost upwards of $200,000.
Donations for the playground are still being accepted. The school hopes to break ground in the spring.