A new $650,000 accessible courtyard and playground named "Common Thread" has officially opened at Sunshine Communities in Maumee. The space is designed to serve as a hub for connection, therapy, and recreation for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The facility, funded by a donation from longtime supporter Tessie Mae Seamon, features an accessible playground, a memorial garden, and a community gathering area. More than 40 people, including clients, families, and staff, attended the opening ceremony on Friday.
Key Takeaways
- Sunshine Communities unveiled a new $650,000 accessible courtyard called "Common Thread."
- The space includes an accessible playground, memorial garden, and gathering area.
- It is designed for both recreation and therapeutic activities, aiding in balance and coordination.
- The project was funded by a significant donation from a longtime supporter of the nonprofit.
A New Hub for Connection
The grand opening of the Common Thread courtyard was a moment of celebration for the Sunshine Communities family. Children eagerly awaited the end of the speeches before rushing onto the new playground, their laughter filling the air as they explored the slides and accessible swings.
Jason Abodeely, president and CEO of Sunshine Communities, explained that the project was about reimagining a central space for the community. He described the original courtyard as a place that had "witnessed generations of families gathering, volunteers coming and going, and donors who believed in what Sunshine could become."
"The Common Thread isn’t just a playground," Abodeely stated. "It’s a place for our families to pause, our memories to flourish, our laughter to echo, and for our relationships to grow."
The name itself reflects this core mission. Shannon Bova, the chief philanthropy officer, said the goal was to create more than an attractive outdoor area. "We wanted to build a place that represents the connection between people, generations... past, present, and future," she said. "That idea became the Common Thread."
More Than Just a Place to Play
While the playground is a central feature, the Common Thread was meticulously designed to serve a dual purpose: recreation and therapy. The equipment and layout were developed with input from the organization's therapy team to ensure it supports the physical development of its clients.
"This is also a therapeutic space," Bova emphasized. She explained that the features are intended to help individuals work on critical skills in a fun and engaging environment.
The therapy team was heavily involved in the design to create features that help with balance, coordination, and other physical therapy goals.
Beyond the structured play equipment, the courtyard includes a turf area for community gatherings. "You can gather and picnic and read a book, or you can throw or roll a ball and learn to walk and play," Bova added. This flexibility makes the space adaptable for various therapeutic and social activities.
A Lifeline for Families
For many families, Sunshine Communities provides essential support that is difficult to find elsewhere. Toledo resident Tara Fears shared her story, highlighting the profound impact the nonprofit has had on her family.
Her daughter, six-year-old Zoey Anderson, sustained a lifelong spinal injury in a car crash. Fears struggled to find adequate care for her daughter's needs until she connected with Sunshine Communities about a year ago. "We couldn’t find any care for her," Fears said. "Sunshine has been a true blessing."
Zoey was among the first children to enjoy the new playground. Before the ribbon-cutting, she expressed her excitement. "I’m excited to play with my mom and my grandmother and my brother and my friends," she said, illustrating the community-centric spirit of the new space.
A Vision Made Possible by Generosity
The entire $650,000 project was brought to life through the generosity of a single donor, Tessie Mae Seamon, who has been a dedicated supporter of Sunshine Communities for many years. Her contribution enabled the organization to transform its vision for a connected, multi-generational space into a reality.
About Sunshine Communities
Sunshine Communities is a nonprofit organization based in Maumee that provides comprehensive services and resources for adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Their work focuses on fostering independence, connection, and a high quality of life for the individuals they serve.
The leadership team views the Common Thread as a tribute to the organization's history and a foundation for its future. It honors past supporters while providing a dynamic new resource for current and future generations of clients and their families.
As Shannon Bova summarized the project's philosophy, "As individuals, people are beautiful. But when people are woven together, it’s even more special."