Raising Awareness & Creating Resources

Project Independence’s Board Member, Kemper Bowen (Vice President), and Lafayette Kiwanis Club member, is the master mind behind Parc Independence. As the father of a child with autism he brings his expertise and advocacy for our special population to the community in many ways.

Parc Independence will be the first handicapped-accessible playground in Lafayette, La. and is designed specifically to accommodate children that have physical and mental challenges by eliminating separations, allowing all children to play together.  Some features of the playground include extra-wide entrances and ramps, specially-designed swing sets to accommodate wheelchairs, limited entrance and exit points to assist parents and guardians in watching over their children, and many more features typically not considered in park design.  Because even the smallest design elements can create the largest obstacles for many children with disabilities, careful attention has been paid toward making the playground ADA-compliant.  By eliminating barriers, the park will be a place where all children can play together-regardless of limitations.

Project Independence is proud to sponsor this playground by providing much need equipment. The park will be located in Girard Park in Lafayette. Construction is expected to be completed in the spring of 2010.