Dustin's Adventureland is a non-profit that was organized to eliminate barriers for children that are handicapped or have special needs. The non-profit's mission was to build a playground that will be specifically designed for these children.
The non-profit has raised nearly $25,000, all through fundraising throughout the county.
On Friday, the group and the borough of Minersville took the next step to make the playground a reality.
During a recent meeting, Borough Council unanimously approved a piece of land to be leased by the non-profit. The land is located between the Lions Pavilion and swimming pool at the Minersville Recreation Complex.
Dustin Adventureland's President James Womer and Borough Council President Katielynn Milbrandt officially signed the lease Friday with Dustin's Adventureland Vice President Jeffrey Dunkel and Board Member Bob Giba present. Present from Minersville were borough council members Mike Firestine, Sarah Newton, Robert Umbenhen, Ian Mahal, Vice President Stephen Darosh, as well as Borough Manager Bobby Mahalchick.
"On behalf of Dustin's Adventureland, we would like to thank the borough for allowing us to enter into least with them, for construction of the playground" said President James Womer.
"We are so excited to have Dustin's Adventureland coming to the borough of Minersville to build the first all-inclusive playground in Schuylkill County." said Borough Council President Milbrandt.
Dustin's Adventureland Vice President Dunkel thanked the Minersville Lions and also the Minersville Little League for working closely with them. "It's been several months in the making for this lease to come together. It's finally coming to fruition so we are excited."
"This is something that the county needs to address the children that have special needs. The biggest pleasure we are going to have from this is seeing the smiles on the young children's faces and that says it all right there" said Borough Manager Mahalchick.
A groundbreaking for the project is expected to take place in the Summer of 2021.
Story and Photos by J. Reed
Photo L to R:
Back Row: Mike Firestine, Ian Mahal, Bob Giba, Steve Darosh, Bob Umbenhen, Sarah Newton
Front Row: Jeffrey Dunkel, James Womer, Katielynn Milbrandt, Bobby Mahalchick