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Kristi Yamaguchi's Always Dream Foundation will express its intent to donate to the City of Fremont a children's playground at the April 24 City Council meeting. The proposed playground would include facilities to accommodate both children with disabilities and able-bodied children in Fremont's Central Park.
Kristi Yamaguchi is an Olympic gold medalist in women's figure skating who grew up in Fremont. Kristi's desire to create a permanent and unique play environment for children of all abilities grew out of her own recent experience. In the Summer of 2002, and once again in 2003, the Always Dream Foundation sponsored, and participated in, a very special, week long, summer camp experience. Thirty children with a disability were invited to bring along an able bodied "buddy" to live, compete and play together as they learned about each other. It was an experience that would prove to be life changing for everyone who participated. As one child remarked at the camp's conclusion, "It's the first time in my life I've felt normal."
The Always Dream Foundation had considered many sites throughout the Bay Area, but ultimately chose Fremont for its attractive park setting and because of the Yamaguchi family's continued strong connection to the community. The Foundation will pay for all costs of the design and construction of the playground project site. Upon completion of construction, the Foundation will dedicate the entire project to the City of Fremont. The City will then be responsible for the ongoing maintenance and repair of the playground. "We are delighted for this opportunity to partner with the Always Dream Foundation which is committed to providing for the health and well-being of children of all abilities," said Annabell Holland, Parks and Recreation Director. "The new playground in Central Park will be an important addition to the City's wide range of recreational facilities, and reflects Fremont's continued role as a leader and innovator in park and recreation development."
To further partner with and engage the Fremont community, the Always Dream Foundation is extremely proud to provide the lead gift necessary to make this playground project a reality. Corporations and individuals interested in becoming a part of this extraordinary legacy for the children of Fremont and the Bay Area may contact:
Kristi Yamaguchi's Always Dream Foundation
Jim Adler, Chief Operating Officer 1203 Preservation Park Way #102 Oakland, CA 94612 Telephone: 510-451-7275 Fax: 510-628-8396 Email: info@alwaysdream.orgWebsite: www.alwaysdream.org
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