Shellie Poetter has a vision: a playground in Blue Earth that any, and every child can enjoy.

“I don’t think Blue Earth has an ADA-accessible playground right now, so (an inclusive playground) would be a plus for Blue Earth,” she explains. “Forty percent of our population in the United States has some sort of disability. That underscores the need for a space that everyone can use.”

She envisions such a space sprouting at the feet of the Jolly Green Giant, adjacent to the Giant Welcome Center at Giant Drive.

Poetter, a member of the Blue Earth Convention & Visitors Bureau, came up with the idea years ago when she was serving as Blue Earth’s Chamber of Commerce director.

“I came across some renderings for a playground,” she recalls. “I saw those drawings and I thought, ‘That is fantastic.’ But it took me a long time to figure out how to get the ball rolling.”

The project, which has now been officially proposed by the Blue Earth Chamber, started gaining momentum last year with the formation of the Giant Park & Playground Committee.

Apart from Poetter, who serves as chair of the committee, the group comprises members of the Convention & Visitors Bureau, Chamber representatives and community members who are invested in the project.

“We have a great array of different people with different strengths and talents,” Poetter notes. “I’m so happy that there were more people than just myself that were excited about this project when I pitched it.”

The committee has received permission from the city of Blue Earth to erect the inclusive playground next to the musical instruments at Giant Park.

Additionally, the group has already commissioned an artist’s rendering of their vision: an agriculturally-themed playground that accommodates the needs of every child.

“It will be an ag-themed playground to highlight our heritage and our community’s rich farming roots,” Poetter explains. “You won’t see anything like it around – it’s a totally unique thing.”

The criteria will be met by features such as a vegetable-themed communication board for non-verbal children, and a tomato-shaped quiet dome for children who become overwhelmed by too much sensory input.

Vegetables and farming will also be represented with a slide shaped like a corn cob and a silo-shaped climbing structure.

Additionally, the playground will feature thoughtful additions to accommodate individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities, such as climbing nets designed for children to use with just their upper bodies.

“The whole playground is incorporated so all kids can play together – nothing is segregated,” Poetter adds.

And, she notes that the playground is inclusive for people of all ages, not just children.

Explaining that it is becoming increasingly common for grandparents to care for their grandchildren on a regular basis, Poetter points out that the inclusive playground will make it easier for elderly caregivers to see and interact with their grandchildren.

“They can be an active part of their play,” Poetter explains.

She continues, “Instead of just play equipment, we have equipment that helps with sensory needs, helps develop motor skills and cognitive skills like problem solving, and, of course, social and emotional skills like cooperation and imaginative play. It’s not just a swing and a slide – it’s much more than that.”

Unfortunately, such a vision does come at a significant cost – upwards of half a million dollars, by Poetter’s estimate.

“The playground is totally custom-made, so the price tag is higher,” she explains. “And, the playground will have a poured surface, which is a giant portion of the bill.”

However, she and the Giant Park & Playground Committee are hoping to make their dreams a reality through extensive fundraising both in the Blue Earth community, and beyond.

“We’re looking for individuals, businesses and corporations to lend us a hand,” Poetter says. “We’re looking at mostly Minnesota-based businesses. And, mostly, we’re hoping our town steps up and says, ‘Yes, this is something that we need, something that is going to be inclusive and welcoming.'”

The committee plans to unveil its plans to the community on Thursday evening of Giant Days, at which point a fundraising mechanism will be in place to accept tax-deductible donations to the project.

Appropriately, the announcement will occur at the Giant’s birthday party, which is slated for July 11, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

However, Poetter says that any community members who are excited to contribute to the project before July 11 can call the Blue Earth Chamber at 507-526-2916 for more information about making a donation.

The Giant Park & Playground Committee also plans to explore grants and endowments which the project could qualify for.

Poetter, who sees how the project will benefit the whole community, as well as area children, is determined to make the playground a reality.

“All-inclusive playgrounds are a very big hit,” she says, adding that similar playgrounds in Fairmont, Albert Lea and Mankato receive many visitors throughout the summer months. “People with young children who have different abilities plan their summer around where they can take their kids.”

She continues, “My goal is to bring people into Blue Earth, so they can see what a beautiful community it is, come here and enjoy the day, and perhaps move here.”

“It’s going to be something to look forward to. It’s going to be excellent for our community,” she concludes.