www.mybaycity.com September 23, 2007
Schools Article 1886


Lincoln Intermediate teachers Mrs. Pettigrew, Mrs Bufe and Mrs. Dale (2nd from right) pose with principal Shawn Bishop and Bangor Superintendant Dr. tina Kerr with their grant check from Ronald MacDonald House of Charities of Outstate MI.

Bangor Lincoln Special Needs Playground Is Big Hit With Everyone

Everything Falls Into Place - Project Completed in Just 11 Months

September 23, 2007
By: Kevin Leahy


"Everything just fell into place," said Lincoln Intermediate School Principal Shawn Bishop. Bishop was speaking about the amazing rate at which this project went from its initial planning in October 2006 to its unprecedented dedication ceremony just eleven months later.

Even the weather cooperated Tuesday; it couldn't have been nicer for the opening of the special needs playground at Lincoln School on the corner of Lauria Rd. and North Euclid.

"The coordination and support of the local business and the Bangor School District this was a no-brainer for us to select this project to support," said, Lesa Dion Executive Director of Ronald McDonald House of Charities of out state MI, whose organization granted the project $15,000. Dion was speaking on behalf of three very civic minded and conscientious local companies; Clements Contracting, Maier and Associates and S.C. Johnson.

Maier and Associates who pledged an incredible $25,000 to this project have their own, "Just for Kids" Foundation whose sole purpose is to improve the lives of less fortunate kids in Bay County.

"We do plenty besides projects like this in Bay County. We support Coats for Kids, and we do bike drops at schools where we provide a boys and girls bike in each grade based on good citizenship," said Carrie Dahlberg Executive Director. (If you have ideas on how to help improve the lives of kids in and around Bay County feel free to call Mrs. Dahlberg at 989-667-KIDS to discuss them.)

The Charles Strosacker Foundation in Midland also granted $5,000 towards the playground.

"This is just an amazing community accomplishment," said Debbie Neumeyer secretary at Bangor Lincoln. During his dedication speech Mr. Bishop also thanked all his staff and parental support the project enjoyed from the Fish Fries run by Shelly Blair, Ashley Clements and Don Stanley that raised $8,000 to the Scrap Booking events hosted by Samantha Maldanado that raised $1,500.

Bishop was quick to thank Dr. Tina Kerr, Superintendent of Bangor Township Schools.

"What we originally thought would be a two year project, Dr. Kerr and The Bangor Township Schools shortened that to eleven months by providing financing for the playground until all committed grants come in," said Bishop. "Now our fifth graders, who were instrumental in helping design the playground, will be able to enjoy it this year," Bishop went on.

On Tuesday morning after the ribbon cutting in true "Extreme Home Makeover" fashion, the students from Lincoln Elementary led by Bishop cheered, Move those buses, move those buses." At that time, two shiny yellow buses drove in opposite directions revealing what the kids were anxiously waiting for - A huge barrier free, handicap accessible playground - complete with triple slide, ladders and bridges.

"This is a true community accomplishment," echoed Dion from Ronald McDonald House.



Lincoln Intermediate Principal Shawn Bishop accepts the big check $15,000.00 from Lesa Dion Executive Director of Ronald MacDonald House of Charities of Outstate MI.
(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Leahy)

Lincoln Principal Shawn Bishop thanks everyone responsible for their help and support of their new special needs playground as Mitch Clements of Clements Contracting, Dr. Tina Kerr, Superintendent Bangor Schools and Lesa Dion of Ronald MacDonald House of Charities look on.
(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Leahy)

Lincoln Intermediate students pause very briefly to show their excitement for their new special needs playground.
(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Leahy)

Just before the buses pulled away to reveal the playground, representatives from Maier and Associates; Mike Wilcox, Joe Maier and Carrie Dahlberg joined Principal Bishop, a representative of Clements Contracting, Dr. Tina Kerr and Lesa Dion in cutting the ceremonial ribbon.
(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Leahy)

Triple the fun as students from Lincoln School on the corner of N. Euclid and Lauria Rd. enjoy the triple slide for the first time.
(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Leahy)

The special needs playground at Lincoln School will be enjoyed by kids with disabilities for years to come.
(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Leahy)

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