For more information, contact:
For Immediate Release Todd Schuetz(847) 384-4032, [email protected]
Joanne Swanson(847) 384-4034, [email protected]A.J. Wright(847) 384-4034, [email protected]
Orthopaedic surgeons to build safe, accessible playground in Bay area 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Feb. 27 at Coyote Point
SAN MATEO, Calif.--The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) along with its coalition partners KaBOOM!, San Mateo County Department of Parks and Recreation and United Cerebral Palsy will provide funding and volunteer labor to build a safe, universally accessible playground at Coyote Point Park in San Mateo, Calif., on Tuesday, February 27, 2001, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The Academy is committed to building a similar playground each year in the city where it holds is annual meeting. Last year, the Academy built and donated a safe, accessible playground for students at the Magnolia School in Orlando, Fla. The 68th annual meeting takes place Wednesday, February 28, through Sunday, March 4, 2001 at the Moscone Convention Center, San Francisco, Calif.
The commitment is part of the Prevent Injuries America! program which helps orthopaedic surgeons inform their patients and the public about ways to prevent injuries, including those on playgrounds. Orthopaedic surgeons are the doctors who surgically treat children's physical disabilities, and see first-hand the fractures, dislocations and other results of playground injuries.
"Providing a safe, developmentally appropriate playground is the Academy's way of giving to the communities it serves," explains Stuart Hirsch, MD, Chairman, Council on Communications, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
The 3,635-square-foot playground will include Braille instructions, olfactory garden, specially designed equipment and spacious sitting areas, making it an enjoyable experience for the entire family. It features slides, climbing and balancing activities and a variety of play stations for imaginary activities.
"Children with disabilities are often separated from other children. Typically, a child who is physically challenged stands by and watches idly as the other children play. Now with the new accessible playground all children will be able to play at the same structure and at the same level," explains Jane Lefferdink, Executive Director, United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Santa Clara/San Mateo counties.
The Coyote Point Park will be the first of its kind to adhere to the new California Playground Regulations for stricter guidelines on the design, equipment, materials, and maintenance of the playground, above and beyond the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. Coyote Point Park will bring children with disabilities the ability to play with their non-disabled friends.
The 25,500-member American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons is a not-for-profit organization that provides educational programs for orthopaedic surgeons, allied health professionals and the public.
For more information on playground safety, visit the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website www.aaos.org or call the Academy's Prevent Injuries America! Public service line; 1-800-824-BONES (2663).
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