Community Builds Special Needs Playground

After months of work and hundreds of donations, the Burton Elementary special needs playground is becoming a reality.

Community leaders and school officials joined together Tuesday morning to hear from parents of special needs children who will benefit from the new play ground.

The state-of-the-art play equipment will feature wheelchair accessible ramps, special tile flooring, electronic play panels and a giant see-saw.

Many prominent community members donated to the cause. Frank Vandersloot, owner of Melaluca and his wife Malinda matched $55,000 raised in a two week period earlier this year.

Richard and Peggy Larsen of Larsen Farms donated $12,000.

Idaho first lady Lori Otter also came to show her support in the cause.

“I have the luxury and blessing of going all over the state and I am continually amazed at the generosity and the spirit of giving that Idahoans have,? Otter said. ?Burton Elementary is a special place.”

The $200,000 playground will be open to the entire community when completed in about six weeks.