a special name for aa special playground

LEO’s Haven will be the first inclusive playground to be built
in Santa Cruz County. LEO is an acronym for Lauren,
Evelyn, and Oliver Potts—three siblings whose

wheelchair, are denied access not only to their social circle, but also
to the vital benefits of play. The inclusive design of LEO’s
Haven, which goes beyond minimum Americans

greatest wish is to be able to play together atwith Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, will bea playground. haven describes the visiona unique place where children—regardless ofof the Live Oak community to provide

their abilities—can play with their friends

children with a safe and accessible

and families. Special-needs families—

haven of play at Chanticleer Park. A

who often live in a whirlwind of special-

playground is a child’s creative class-ists’ appointments, therapy sessions, androom. They learn by interacting physi-

hospital stays—will have an invaluable

cally, emotionally, and socially with theirresource for connecting with other families

peers. While a child would never be deniednavigating similar experiences. LEO’s Haven

entrance to school, children with disabilities

will also provide children with the opportunity

are routinely denied entrance onto playgrounds,
as most traditional playgrounds are physically inaccessible to them. This means children like Oliver, who uses a

to experience and accept their peers with special
needs as equals—teaching lessons of compassion,awareness, and acceptance.

LEO’S HAVENAT CHANTICLEER PARKSANTA CRUZ
PLAYGROUND PROJECT
Patricia Potts MEd
founder

Robert Potts MD
founder

VOLUNTEER TEAM
Christine Betts MA rPTindomitable spirit
There! I finally found the words that sum up what

in Santa Cruz County. Watching the excitement of their

Gaelyn Betts Eds

attracted and continues to attract me to the Santa Cruz

three precious children also learn of the idea—coupled

non-profit specialist

Playground Project.

with the magnetism of the “Potts Family Indomitable Spirit”

physical therapist—pediatrics

Janet Crosse
fundraising professional

Ed Gagne
realtorBrenda Gutierrez-Baezainterpreter/translator

Virginia Hennessey
private investigatorCharlotte Henderson CFRE

I’ve known the Potts family since 2008. Both of our fami-

was overpowering! They could count me in! In the follow-

lies moved to the Santa Cruz County area at approximately

ing pages, you will discover their passion and dedication

the same time and became acquainted through our faith-

through countless hours meeting and working with govern-

based community. The Potts are an outgoing, professionalment, special needs groups, and others to see this project

couple with many diverse talents and interests. Bob is thethrough to fruition.

medical director for a hospitalist group at Dominican

Our LEO’s Haven volunteers are busy people: working

Martha Jacobson

Hospital, and Tricia is a curriculum design consultant withprofessionals, parents, spouses, and grandparents. Why

educator

15 years experience in elementary education. Their family athave we chosen to devote our spare time and midnightthat time consisted of two-year-old identical twin daugh-

hours to this inclusive playground project? The answer isters, Lauren and Evelyn.

easy. We are simply inspired. We are inspired by the opti-

fundraising professional

Paul Jacobson
franchise ownerStacey Kyle PhD
foundation president

Michael Rein ESQ
business /real estate attorney

Bob and Tricia were soon expecting a third child.

mism of the families you will meet in this magazine who

However, there were complications and they knew earlyface challenges that most of us rarely encounter. We areon that this baby would be born with significant healthinspired by governing officials who have acknowledged theconditions. When Oliver was born, our community held

need and pledged their support in making this happen. We

Becky Taylor

its collective breath—it felt like we held our breath for aare inspired by community organizations that recognize

authoryear or more.

Mariah Roberts MEd
educator

Amy Selover mpT
physical therapist—pediatrics

Diane Van Wagner ms oT/l
occupational therapist—pediatrics

playground design
project development
and FISCAL SPONSOR
Shane’s Inspiration

they can have an impact in bettering their community. We

What emerged from those many months of uncertainty

are inspired with the thought that there is not much in thiswere two parents—taking turns at Lucile Packard Children’s

world that is equal or fair—but equal “play” is one thing

Hospital, sitting with this adorable, smiling baby, and/orthat is possible!

at home, parenting the twins—all the while sharing with

It is my great pleasure to introduce you to the Potts

the world their epic journey through humorous Facebook

Family—Bob, Tricia, Lauren, Evelyn, and Oliver—and a

Tiffany Harris

posts dotted with their indomitable spirit to give all their

host of others who are making the vision of LEO’s Haven at

founder/ceo

children the best life they could. My heart ached for them,

Chanticleer Park a reality for all. It is my sincere hope thatas I knew that they must have had discouraging moments,

you are inspired by the indomitable spirit that continues

hours, and days—but rarely did we see a glimpse of that.

to carry us to that end.

www.shanesinspiration.org

Diane Scanlan RLA
architect

Brad Thornton
senior vice president—
global project development

PARTNERSCounty of Santa Cruz
Department of Parks,
Open Space, and Cultural
Serviceswww.scparks.com

Jeff Gaffney
director

Chanticleer Park Neighbors
Association
chanticleerpark.org

As Oliver grew, he conquered the substantial odds. Yet,again, it was the family trait of an indomitable spirit thatdrew people to him. He smiles, he laughs, has a fantastic
parade wave, and he loves. He truly enjoys life and whom-Charlotte Henderson CFRE

ever he encounters. Not a shy bone in him, his “can-do”

Editor, Volunteer

attitude is infectious.
So, Bob and Tricia presented the idea to me to form anorganization to help create an inclusive playground where
all children and all adults (regardless of ability) could play

LEARN MORE
To learn more about ourvolunteers and partners,
visit our website
www.santacruzplaygroundproject.org

It’s not about getting there first, it’s about getting there together. — Joseph Rain    #AllKidsNeedToPlay

LEO’S HAVEN AT CHANTICLEER PARK    Santa Cruz Playground Project    www.santacruzplaygroundproject.org

a siblings’ wish to play together
In the Fall of 2013, I took my three children to a

A few months later, Bob encouraged me to

A lot has happened since I realized the prob-

playdate at a local park. Oliver, who was 3-years-

take the kids down to Salinas for the grandlem wasn’t about Oliver’s disability, but rather

old, had just gotten his first wheelchair and I

opening of Tatum’s Garden—the first inclusive

it was about inclusion and accessibility. Many

was eager to see how he would navigate theplayground in the Monterey Bay area. Inclusive

volunteers and organizations have worked dili-world with his wheels. Almost immediately weplaygrounds are specifically designed so all chil-gently to get to where we are now—ready to

had a problem—his chair was unable to go overdren—regardless of ability—can play side-by-launch the fundraising phase of this project. As

the grass and wood chips we needed to crossside. It was amazing! For the first time, Lauren,

you continue to read about the impact this play-in order to reach the other children. I tried my

Evelyn, and Oliver were able to play together

ground will have in our community and you see

best to get the wheelchair over the landscaping,without barriers. When it was time to leave,

the beautiful, conceptual designs, I hope you

but after a few yards, I realized it was futile. We

my children begged to know when we could

will feel compelled to take action. It would bewatched from a distance as all the other children

come back. Once again, my heart fell. Tatum’s

an honor to work together so all our children will

ran around happily playing in the late afternoon

Garden was over an hour’s drive away—too far

have the opportunity to learn, develop, and playsunshine. For a little boy who had already over-to visit on a regular basis. All parents juggle thetogether at LEO’s Haven.

come so very many obstacles and hardships in

frenetic schedules of childhood: school, lessons,his life, the thought of his childhood spent on

appointments, sports. Add to that a special-Thank you!

the sidelines—unable to play with his sisters andneeds family’s frequent doctor appointments,

friends—was unbearable. As I struggled to keep

specialized education sessions, and therapy

my composure in front of the other parents, I

appointments—there is simply not enough time

Tricia Potts

wondered, “How can Oliver play at a playgroundto take a whole day to drive to the nearest inclu-

Co-Founderlike any other kid?” That day I didn’t have ansive playground. It was then that I knew—weSanta Cruz Playground Project

answer to that question, and it broke my heart.

needed a playground like this in our community.

Meet the Potts Family — Lauren, Bob, Oliver, Tricia, and Evelyn    #AllKidsNeedToPlay

LEO’s haven offers . . .“The freedom to choose how we live, learn, work, and play.”

LEO’s Haven at Chanticleer Park exemplifies the very best of whata local community can create when working collectively towards
a common goal. Local mommy-and-me groups, University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) service learners, inclusive play advocates,
community gardening proponents, bike enthusiasts, and dog
lovers—these are but a few of the partners who make up the magic

the next chapter

the community

chanticleer park history
In 2014, the Santa Cruz Playground Project presented their idea for an
inclusive playground to the Chanticleer Park Neighbors Association.
The response was a unanimous vote of support. In 2015, the Countyof Santa Cruz Board of Supervisors voted to support a public-private
partnership between the county, Shane’s Inspiration, the Santa Cruz
Playground Project, and the Chanticleer Park Neighbors Association

to design, fundraise, and build LEO’s Haven at Chanticleer Park as part ofa Phase 1 Development of the Chanticleer Park master plan. The Santa Cruz

Chanticleer Park is located in Live Oak, at the heart of Santa Cruz

Playground Project will raise approximately $1.93 million dollars for theCounty. An unincorporated community, home to the third largest

playground, bathrooms, and a parking lot. Shane’s Inspiration will provide

population in the county, Live Oak is richly diverse in ethnicity, mobil-a service grant to design LEO’s Haven. The county—in addition to the $3.6

ity, socio-economics, and educational experience. Live Oak is homemillion already spent acquiring the properties and master planning—has

to higher-than-average numbers of families with small children, people

allocated $650,000 for further design and infrastructure costs. The parksliving in poverty, elderly residents, and people with a disability—but there

department has also submitted both state and federal grant applications

is no developed public park within the recommended one-half-mile aroundand will continue to actively pursue additional funding options for these

the Chanticleer Park neighborhood.

vital infrastructure components (i.e., demolition and grading).

the history

the landthat is the Chanticleer Park community. Through their efforts, the park has
grown from 4½ acres of fenced off land to the living public space it is today.

In the early 2000s, the local redevelopment agency (RDA) worked toMoving forward together, LEO’s Haven at Chanticleer Park has become

meet the needs of our Live Oak community. In collaboration withour call to action. The knowledge that #AllKidsNeedToPlay, and all

residents, the RDA purchased the parcels that make up the 4½-acrepeople deserve access to public green space propels this project forward

park site and tasked SSA Landscape Architects to design a beautiful

with the energy and determination needed to bring the next chapter of themaster plan. Unfortunately, when the California fiscal crisis hit in 2010,

Chanticleer Park story to life.

redevelopment agencies across the state were defunded by the governor,
and the money to complete this public space disappeared. After Chanticleer Park lost its funding, concerned neighbors formed the Chanticleer
Park Neighbors Association and joined forces with the County of Santa Cruz

Mariah Roberts med

Parks Department to prevent the land from being sold off. With support

Mom, Teacher, Designer, Fiddler

from Supervisor John Leopold, an interim usage plan to keep the park

Director Chanticleer Park Neighbors Assc.

open as a public resource was developed, featuring the bicycle pump track,

Chair Santa Cruz County Parks

off-leash dog run, and community garden. However, a playground for theand Recreation Commission

community seemed beyond the reach of this grassroots group.

Shane’s Inspiration—an international organization

ing: Sochi, Russia; Jerez, Mexico; Cuenca, Ecuador; British

whose vision is to foster a bias-free world for children

Columbia; and Israel. Almost 100 additional projects arewith disabilities—partners with communities worldwide

in development.

to create inclusive playgrounds and programs that unite
children of all abilities.

Once the playgrounds open, a Shane’s Inspiration
program team supports the implementation of a family

In 1997, two parents lost their newborn son, Shane, to aplay club and an ability awareness program, Together, We

degenerative condition. Searching for a way to honor his

Are Able. These programs transform the playground into

Shane’s Inspiration is abrief life, they rallied the Los Angeles, CA, community toa classroom where children—with and without disabili-

501(c)(3) non-profit organization

create the first fully-inclusive playground in the Western

ties—learn to see beyond their differences and discover

who serves as a fiscal sponsor for

United States: Shane’s Inspiration, which opened in 2000

their shared humanity.

LEO’s Haven and is also donatingin Griffith Park.

their design services.
www.shanesinspiration.org

Shane’s Inspiration is honored to partner with the Santa

Today, a single playground has grown into a powerful

Cruz Playground Project and the County of Santa Cruz toinclusion movement. The organization has 60 inclusive

support LEO’s Haven through playground design, develop-

playgrounds open nationally and internationally, includ-ment, and social inclusion programming.

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Ϭϭϱ ƌƵĞŶ'<Ăƌ ŝĚĞŶƚϮ ^ĂŶƚĂƐWƌĞ ƌǇůƵďĂZŽƚsanta cruz sunrise
rotary club

easter seals
central california

From the outset, our club has
supported this project in whatever

Easter Seals Central California isCentral California

truly honored to have been doing

way possible. We applied for andeverything we can since LEO’s Haven’s inception! LEO’s

received a grant from Rotary Inter-

Haven perfectly embodies the mission of Easter Seals

national to help create interpretive signage, and LEO’s

Central California to provide “innovative services for

Haven is the designated recipient of this year’s Rotarychildren and adults with disabilities and their families

Firecracker race on July 4th. This inclusive playgroundso they may actively participate in the community

will be a long-lasting asset to our community, and wewith the freedom to choose how they live, learn, work,are very excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.

and play.” It also offers a chance to once again bring
together all members of the Santa Cruz community.

Karen Gosling President
Sincerely,

2015–2016

Tom Conway President / ceolive oak school district
On behalf of Live Oak School
District students, thank you forcounty of santa cruz
public health divisioncalifornia children’s services

the proposal to build a fully inclusive playground

LEO’s Haven will allow disabled adults to play withat Chanticleer Park. It would be of great benefit

their children and grandchildren. As a program of

to our students and the Live Oak community.

pediatric therapists, we know the therapeutic valueof play. In fact, most therapy we provide requires us
to incorporate play. LEO’s Haven will create an envi-

Sincerely,ronment that promotes play and the development it
Tamra Taylor superintendent

fosters. Your support will help provide a unique andvaluable experience for an underserved segment ofour population.
Sincerely,
Dave Kramer-Urner Pt

When we think of a disabled
person solely in terms ofwhat they cannot do, we
reduce that person’s humanity, worth and capacity tohave a good life.
— Christopher Krentz#AllKidsNeedToPlay

children’s medical services manager

Each child in our community

live oak education
foundation

does better when all children
around us are doing better. LEO’s

I am writing to you to express

letters of support

Haven allows an opportunity for
all children to do better—a place
where a child’s course isn’t
defined by limitations but by the
inclusiveness of a community and access to equalinclusive playground at Chanticleer Park. Though
my children have no disabilities, I want them to haveopportunities to engage and play with children who
do in order to foster their awareness and understand-opportunity. This inclusive playground will provide
children, and their parents, a place of fun, a place ofrefuge, and place of opportunity that’s long overdue.

continued

my unequivocal support for an

ing of disabilities as well as an appreciation for individual differences.
Sincerely,

Zach Friend county of santa cruz
supervisor, second district

Stacey Kyle PhD
live oak mom and founding president

County of
DEPARTMENT OF PA

JEFF GAFFNEY
DIRECTOR

RKS, OPE

Santa CruzN SPACE &979 17 TH A
CULTURAVENUE, S(831) 454-79
ANTA CRU
L SERVICE
Z, CA 9506
01 FAX:S
2(831) 454-79
40 TDD:(831) 454-79
78

Dear Santa C

ruz Playground Project an
d Supporters,
To fund andbuild the pla
yground, a p
Cruz Playgro
artn
und Project,
Santa Cruz C ership was formed in Ju
and Shane’s
ne 2015 betw
ounInsp
een the Santa
to see this vis iration. We are going to ty Parks, Chanticleer Pa
rk
ion becomeneed a lot ofa reality. The
support from Neighbors Association,communityandplaysponsors andthe commun
you in advan we are excited to have th ground will be a legacy
ity
ce for your c
w
is
e
c
h
h
e
a
lp
n
c
c
e
re
to
a
o
te
co
nsideration oin Santa Cru
f LEO’s Hav llaborate with such grea for ourz County.
t partners. T
en, the VER
hank
Y FIRST in
clusive play
Sincerely,
groundJeff Gaffney
Director

Disability is not a liability, it’s a strength. It’s an opportunity. — RJ Mitte    #AllKidsNeedToPlay❤ the heart of it

LEO’S HAVEN AT CHANTICLEER PARK    Santa Cruz Playground Project    www.santacruzplaygroundproject.org

W

hen my first child, Francisco, was a toddler he wanted to
go to the playground near our house. The playground had
swings and a colorful structure with slides—one of which

was an orange tube with sand around it to protect the children. I wasusing a manual wheelchair at the time and it was impossible for me toroll in the sand. Francisco would cry and beg for me to push him in theswing. It was heartbreaking every time we visited the park. One day, I
decided to jump in the sand and pull myself closer so I could push him
in the swing. His laughter was contagious and helped me to ignore thelooks of pity and disgust from the other parents.
My second child, Natima, was born seven years later. The previous
playground at the Louden Nelson Community Center/Laurel Park had
a pressed rubber mat around the slides and all the way to one of theswings—which enabled me to take the children to those playgroundelements. It also had a bridge that a person in a wheelchair could accessby rolling over the grass. I was able to push my daughter in the swing.
By the time Lolita was born, my older children were ages four andeleven. The Anna Jean Cummings Park was about half a mile from ourhome. The park had some accessible areas, but Lolita preferred theparts where I could not get to her. So, I learned to take one of her older
siblings with me so they could help her play in areas I could not access.
My children are now grown—and it’s time for me to take my two
grandchildren, ages six and four, to the park. My search for accessible
playgrounds is not over. I have just begun the second chapter of thischallenge in my life. I wholeheartedly endorse LEO’S HAVEN, as it will put
an end to this lifetime search and bring me immeasurable joy when mylittle ones say, “Grandma, will you please take us to the park to play?”Ernestina Saldana CHAIR
Santa Cruz County Commission on Disabilities

playgroundsite plan
LEO’s Haven at Chanticleer Park has been designed by Diane Scanlan, a Landscape Architect and Director of Design at Shane’s Inspira-AGE 0–5 PLAY AREA
TRACTORLITTLE FARMER’S MARKET
COZY DOMEMUSIC STATIONANIMAL FARM

tion. Her goal was to create an innovative, interactive, and inclusive
play space so children of all ages and abilities can play together. The
design is sensory-rich, age-appropriate, and supports multi-generational play for all. The imaginative farm theme was inspired by thehistoric nature of the Chanticleer Park neighborhood. This beautiful design will truly make LEO’s Haven a unique play destination forchildren in Santa Cruz County and its surrounding communities.

LEO’s Haven is part of Chanticleer Park which has an approved master plan
designed by SSA Landscape Architects. The Santa Cruz Playground Project isfocused on raising funds for the playground, restrooms, supporting sidewalks,
and the main parking lot. Additional infrastructure improvements to support
the playground and other park elements are being pursued by the County of Santa Cruz and theChanticleer Park Neighbors Association, but are beyond the scope of this sponsorship magazine.

 TO CHANTICLEER AVENUEINCLUSIVE PLAYGROUNDFARM THEME AGES 0–12

CHANTICLEER ENTRY
SHADED SEATINGSENSORY DISCOVERY GARDEN
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
SENSORY BARN WALL
CIRCULAR SEATING / TREE

Dig a little deeper and thelesson is clear: Make something accessible and everybody benefits, not justdisabled people. Every single
time. That’s an impressive
record.
— Lawrence Carter-Long

TO PICNIC AREA ENTRANCE
VINE TUNNELTIK#AllKidsNeedToPlay

ET

RA
CK



TO RESTROOMSTO PARKING

MAIN ENTRANCE



project total $ 1,932,665

Initial cost estimates for playground elements andinstallation, parking, sidewalks, and restroom facility.

PL
AY
ST
RU
CTU
RE 

AGE 5–12 PLAY AREA
CHANTICLEER FARM
HIGH-ACTIVITY ZONE

T

O



 TIKE TRACK 

MP
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S
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FENC
ATIVE
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PLA

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SENSORY DISCOVERY GARDEN
www.santacruzplaygroundproject.org

section total $ 175,075

A short walk (or roll) from the parking lot will bring children to the main
entrance of LEO’s Haven where they are welcomed into the Sensory Discovery Garden. This area is filled with musical instruments at ground level
which provide easy access for children of all ages. These elements are awonderful activity for children with autism or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and provide opportunities for auditory processing.
A custom-designed interactive sensory barn wall provides tactile play
opportunities—which benefit children with sensory, visual, and auditory
disabilities. The doorway is wheelchair accessible, and children can engage
in face-to-face play at the window.
A decorative circular planter bench will offer parents a chance to relax
under a shaded tree canopy, and if it is time for a snack, exit the playground
via the vine tunnel to the picnic pavilion area.

SENSORY DISCOVERY GARDEN — 3D MOCKUP

Sensory Barn Wallexterior

A farmers’ market with whimsical chicken seats awaits in the Age 0-5 Play
Area to provide interactive and imaginative face-to-face play. At the Animal
Farm, elevated beams, rocks, and barrel steppers will hone lateral balancing and climbing skills while a shade canopy offers respite from the sun.
Children can scoot up the stairs on the tractor, and go down the slides, orscoot through the tunnel to exit the front. Too Small to Fail panels engage
children to interactively talk with their friends and families to develop earlylearning literacy skills. If a child needs to “get away from all the activity” theycan easily escape to the quiet Cozy Dome or hide under the vine tunnel.
A scaled down Preschool Music Station provides smaller children theexperience of sound play, away from the crowds gathered at the Sensory
Discovery Garden.

AGE 0–5 PLAY AREA — 3D MOCKUPAGE 0–5 PLAY AREA
www.santacruzplaygroundproject.org

section total $ 208,510

AGE 5–12 PLAY AREA

section total $ 681,230

www.santacruzplaygroundproject.org

CHANTICLEER FARM
Welcome to the 5-12 Play Area offering fun and challenging inclusive
activities for all children. A secondary entrance off Chanticleer Avenue
beckons with tiled seats and a cooling overhead trellis giving children
a little space before joining in the active play. The largest feature is the
Chanticleer Farm Play Structure designed with corrugated steel roofing
and recycled plastic planks purposefully replicating a historic Live Oak
farm. Fully accessible via ramps, the multi-level play structure offers manymusic and sensory activity panels for children to explore. Slides are accessible via wheelchair transfer stations. Resilient surfacing will cushion any
unexpected falls. A gentle slope with rubberized pods will allow children toclimb and explore. Rope pulls develop gross motor skills while balancing
can be practiced on the boogie board or the rickety climber.

AGE 5–12 PLAY AREA — 3D MOCKUPHIGH ACTIVITY ZONE (Ages 5-12)
The High Activity Zone contains popular play equipment for children torotate, swing, spin, and rock—all movement opportunities that promote
physical activity, gross motor development skills, and provide vestibularand proprioceptive stimulation. The Oodle Swing, the Omnispinner, andthe 4-person Wee-Saw all provide opportunities for multiple participants toplay together. The three-bay swing set is designed with two belt seats, twoaccessible molded high-back seats, and two bucket seats for children of allabilities. Children in wheelchairs will enjoy maneuvering between activity
zones along the Tike Track encircling the entire playground.

AGE 5–12 PLAY AREA — 3D MOCKUPLEO’s haven offers . . .“An opportunity to foster awareness and understanding of disabilities.”

SITE AMENITIES
www.santacruzplaygroundproject.org

amenities total $ 157,850
parking lot / restroom total $ 710,000

Located around the playground are site amenities including accessible
benches, trash receptacles, and shade trees. A custom 4’ high thematic
fence will run along the playground’s perimeter for children’s safety. Sidewalks from Chanticleer Avenue and the main parking lot provide easy
access to the playground. The off-street parking lot will have 33 parking
spaces, including two accessible spaces. The entrance will be located off
the intersection of Chanticleer Avenue and Chanticleer Lane between theexisting Miller House and the northern park property line. The parking area
will have improved drainage and surfacing. The restrooms will include
three individual accessible family restrooms and two accessible drinking
fountains, and storage space for park maintenance equipment.

How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single
moment before starting to improve the world.
— Anne Frank

Images shown for conceptual purposes as actual elements may vary.
Visit www.santacruzplaygroundproject.org for project updates.

LEO'S HAVEN PLAYGROUND OVERVIEW — 3D MOCKUP❤ the heart of itHelena Crawford grew up in an era when there were no
support services for special needs children. In fact, inelementary school, teachers actively tried to dissuade

her from playing out on the playground for fear she would hurt
herself.
Fortunately, her mother encouraged her to do anything she

wanted. One of those desires was to become an occupational
therapist, which is exactly what she did. Helena spent many years
working with children through the California Children Services(CCS) Medical Therapy Unit in Monterey County.

When Tatum’s Garden was built in Salinas, CA, she worked witha number of therapists under the direction of Christine Betts,
Supervisor of the CCS Medical Therapy Unit in Monterey County,
to spearhead an effort to hold therapy sessions at the playground.
Helena and the other therapists would meet families at Tatum’s
Garden to show them how to play with the equipment. Thesesessions were very positively received by the families.
LEO’S HAVEN will be within one mile of the CCS Medical Therapy

Unit office in Santa Cruz. The close proximity of the playgroundto this service location will allow children who receive therapy
services from CCS in Santa Cruz County to have the benefit ofexperiencing play therapy.

A

my Erlewine feels that LEO’S HAVEN will be an invaluable resource for connecting families in Santa
Cruz County. “When my daughter, Lily, was diag-

nosed, those first months and years were a whirlwind of
specialists appointments, therapy sessions, and paperwork.

Often, the only people I interacted with were healthcare
providers. Having a playground where Lily could be in her
wheelchair and still interact with the environment would
have been amazing. It would have provided opportunities
to connect with other families having similar experiences.
Finding those families is so critical to navigating specialneeds parenthood.”❤ the heart of it

Bcontributors
renda Gutierrez Baeza is a native of Santa CruzCounty. Currently, she is taking classes at California State University, Fresno, to be a medical

commercial printing
www.comarkdirect.com

interpreter. She is also providing invaluable service as atranslator for LEO’S HAVEN.
When Brenda was an elementary student, she foundherself staying inside a lot during recess because theplayground was not designed to accommodate her

print design and layout

wheelchair. Interaction with her classmates was diffi-

www.benjamindesigns.com

cult, which caused her to grow up feeling isolated andwithout many friends.
Brenda states, “I think LEO’S HAVEN is a genius idea
because finally kids will be able to play with everyone
else and not feel left out.”

photography

We are looking forward to seeing Brenda bring her

www.neilsimmonsphotography.com

friends from Grupo Renacer (a special needs support
group based in Watsonville) to LEO’S HAVEN once it is

Amy Erlewine

built. Someday very soon, children growing up in SantaCharlotte Henderson

Cruz County will not have Brenda’s experience of frustra-

Patricia Potts

tion and isolation because they will finally have access toRobert Potts

play through the inclusive design of LEO’S HAVEN.

Mariah Roberts
Ernestina SaldanaTraditional playground equipment typicallyrequires two hands to navigate. This poses achallenge for Amy Lopez’s son, Drew, who hada stroke at birth and has limited use of his left arm.

M

ariana is looking forward to bringing her daughter, Samantha, to LEO’S

and friends. The playground will allow them

Ladders, play structures, and swings can be danger-

to utilize play as therapy, help Samantha
develop new skills, and instill the sense ofwill provide an adaptive environment for Drew. “I canbeing part of the community.

can play safely and independently.”

Brad Thornton

HAVEN to play together with family

ous—or impossible—for Drew to play on. LEO’S HAVEN
breathe a sigh of relief,” says Amy, “knowing my child

Diane Scanlan

SOCIAL MEDIA   FACEBOOK
Search for us using:Santa Cruz
Playground Project

TWITTER  @ sc_ playground

I am only one,but I am one.
I cannot do everything,but I can do something.
And I will not let
what I cannot dointerfere with what I can do.
— Everett Hale#AllKidsNeedToPlay

donations / sponsorships• All donations are tax-deductible.
• All monetary gifts are accepted by our fiscal sponsor,
Shane’s Inspiration—a 501(c)(3) organization.

major sponsorship opportunities
Unique and limited sponsorship opportunities for the following areas:• Sensory Discovery Garden

LEO’S youngest advocates• Ages 0–5 Play Area
• Ages 5–12 Play Area

Eager to have LEO’s Haven built as soon as possible, neighborhood children• Primary Entry

have been busily fundraising. Andrew, Marissa, and Kevin participated in the• Secondary Entry

Human Race walkathon. Cleo set a goal of raising $1,000 through her Cleo’s

Example: Sensory Discovery Garden

Cookie Stand. Lauren and Evelyn raised money by selling eggs from their pet

Sponsored by The ABC Company

chickens. Instead of birthday presents, Abby asked for her family and friends
to send donations to the playground. Way to go kids—your dedication to thisComponents within each major area are also available for sponsorship.

community is inspiring!

donor recognition
Significant benefactors will be recognized publicly in a designated area
within the playground unless a donor requests anonymity.

further questions
If you have any questions or comments regarding LEO’s Haven or potential donations/sponsorships, please feel free to contact Tricia Potts
directly: 831-706-8760 or potts.tricia@gmail.com .

We will send you a tax-deductible receipt and our sincere thanks.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO INCLUDE  — NAME ∙ ADDRESS ∙ EMAIL ∙ PHONECHECK
Make checks payable to:

SI FPO LEO’s HAVEN
Use the enclosed envelope or mail to:

Santa Cruz Playground Project
PO Box 3709
Santa Cruz CA 95063-3709

CREDIT CARD

GIFT-IN - KIND

Credit card donations may be made online by

In-kind gifts will be accepted by the County ofvisiting our website:

Santa Cruz, if this is of interest to your company orwww.santacruzplaygroundorganization as a way to contribute to LEO’s Haven.

project.org

Please contact

tricia potts
potts.tricia@gmail.com

#AllKidsNeedToPlay

CONTACT AND DONATION INFORMATION
available online atwww.santacruzplaygroundproject.org