Senator Kissel Co-Sponsoring Boundless Playground Legislation

Senator John A. Kissel (R-Enfield) is co-sponsoring legislation that would provide funding for Boundless Playgrounds, an organization that constructs playgrounds that are accessible for all children. The bill, SB 1179, successfully passed out of the Select Committee on Children March 18th and now awaits action in the Finance Committee. Specifically, the bill would authorize the issue of bonds of up to $1 million to create a pool of funds from which communities interested in Boundless Playgrounds could leverage these state dollars.

“Boundless Playgrounds are wonderful projects that allow children with developmental and sensory disabilities to actively and safely participate with all their peers. There are several in place across the State of Connecticut and they have been embraced by all children in these respective communities,” said Senator Kissel.

“It is also important to note that the legislation is not requiring that the State fund these projects in their totality,” explained Senator Kissel. “We are looking simply to create a pool of funds so both individuals and municipalities can initially make firm monetary commitments to this program with the knowledge that they may be able to leverage additional State funding down the line to put them over the top financially.”

A local official from Enfield has already approached Senator Kissel about constructing a Boundless Playground in that community.

“Enfield Town Councilman Brian Peruta has spoken to me on many occasions regarding Boundless Playgrounds,” said Senator Kissel. “Enfield is at the very formative stage of this project and they want to know what type of state funding may be available.”

The Swan family from the Town of Somers, a much smaller community than Enfield, has a strong interest in Boundless Playgrounds, as well.

“Kurt and Natalie Swan from Somers lost their five year old son, Connor, to a malignant tumor recently. The couple, along with their family, has decided to try to create a Boundless Playground in Connor’s memory. Already, they have made a personal commitment of $50,000 and this legislation would go a long way towards not only providing additional state funding, but helping the family raise even more money from their local community.”

Boundless Playgrounds was founded by a couple in West Hartford, CT and there are currently 73 Boundless Playgrounds open in 20 states across the United States as well as one Canadian province. In all Boundless Playground projects, at least 70% of the play activities can be enjoyed by children with physical disabilities without having to leave their support equipment behind.

Senator Kissel is a Deputy Minority Leader and is serving his seventh term representing the 7 th District Communities of East Granby, Enfield, Granby, Somers, Suffield, Windsor, and Windsor Locks.