Mike Sellu and his mother, Ashley Walker Benjamin, attend the Rio Americano High School prom. Photo courtesy of MikesPlayground

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - MikesPlayground, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering inclusivity for special needs children, is gearing up to transform parks in Citrus Heights and the greater Sacramento area into havens of accessible play.

Through educational workshops, recreational activities, and support services, the organization aims to support underserved families and ensure every child can experience the joy of playing in a welcoming and supportive environment.

“We are bridging the gap between abled and disabled,” said Founder and CEO Aurelia Walker. “We have to help those who can’t help themselves, those who can’t speak for themselves. My mission is to have California be the first state with all-inclusive parks.”

 Founder Aurelia Walker and President Roberto Thompson II stand alongside Dr. Michael Korpiel at the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce meeting. Photo courtesy of MikesPlayground

MikesPlayground collaborates closely with Sunrise Parks & Recreation to acquire parks where it implements its inclusive, ADA compliant, playground projects. All funds raised through donations are deposited into a designated account specifically allocated for purchasing playground equipment. This process involves bidding from local contractors, ordering, and eventually installing the equipment within selected parks.

To fund its ambitious projects, MikesPlayground is gearing up for their inaugural fundraiser on Aug. 24 at San Juan Park located at 5509 Mariposa Ave. in Citrus Heights. The event promises a vibrant lineup including raffles, guest speakers, special recognitions to the Citrus Heights Police and Fire Department, comedians, musical acts, and a variety of food vendors offering everything from carnival-style treats to healthy options and culinary delights from the Brazilian Center of Cultural Exchange of Sacramento. All proceeds will be directly supporting the organization's park retrofitting efforts.

“This is all about love, it has to do with the heart,” said President Roberto Thompson II. “If you have a heart for your neighbor, a heart for your community, a heart for children, you are going to want to be a part of MikesPlayground because nothing makes people smile more than watching kids have fun.”

MikesPlayground is actively pursuing a critical initiative to support families with children who rely on life-sustaining medical equipment, such as oxygen concentrators. Recognizing the vulnerability of these children during power outages, especially in emergencies or natural disasters, the organization aims to provide backup generators to ensure continuous operation of essential medical devices.

"This project, still in the research stage, originated from a personal experience," said Aurelia, "witnessing the challenges faced by my grandson dependent on an oxygen machine when power was lost due to the weather." The typical oxygen concentrator consumes approximately 350 watts per hour at its highest setting, prompting MikesPlayground to explore viable backup power solutions. Options such as the GEN-420, GEN-620, and GEN-820 generators are being evaluated for their capacity to provide emergency power ranging from 12 to 28 hours on a single charge, tailored to meet varying needs.

To assess demand and refine its approach, MikesPlayground is collaborating with Sacramento State University to conduct comprehensive surveys and gather data on the number of children in the Sacramento area requiring such life-saving equipment.

Looking ahead, MikesPlayground plans to host a convention and gala later in the year, aimed at engaging businesses and decision-makers in their cause. By building partnerships and securing sponsorships, the organization hopes to raise $300,000 to retrofit two parks, expanding their reach and impact across the region. To facilitate these gatherings, the City of Sacramento allowed the organization to host both its events at the Safe Credit Union Convention Center in downtown Sacramento, a recently renovated city-owned venue located at 1401 K Street.

MikesPlayground goes beyond creating inclusive playgrounds by actively supporting children in developing essential life skills.

“They can do it like everyone else,” Roberto said. “It might just take them longer and require a little more attention.”

In the future, the organization aspires to build homes equipped with specialized amenities to meet the needs of families caring for children with medical dependencies. This visionary initiative aims to alleviate financial burdens, particularly for families facing challenges such as compromised credit scores due to substantial medical expenses. By providing a supportive environment and essential resources, MikesPlayground seeks to enhance the quality of life for both the children and their families.

In addition to advocating for inclusivity, MikesPlayground raises awareness about Dravet Syndrome, a rare and severe form of epilepsy that affects children from infancy, characterized by frequent and prolonged seizures that can be difficult to control.

Partnerships with Kiwanis, Jessica Tillery of All Quality Graphics, Dr. Michael Korpiel of Mercy San Juan Hospital, Alta Regional, Marissa Han from The Alliance, and local chambers of commerce are instrumental in helping MikesPlayground achieve its goals. Their contributions range from providing essential printed materials for events to offering healthcare expertise and community engagement support.

For those eager to get involved, MikesPlayground offers various volunteer opportunities and welcomes donations through their website. Whether assisting with events, providing administrative support or sharing specialized skills, volunteers play a crucial role in advancing the organization's mission.

“By supporting MikesPlayground, you are investing in a brighter, more inclusive future for special needs children and their families,” mentioned on its website.

To learn more about MikesPlayground, volunteer or donate, visit https://mikesplayground.org.