For the first time ever, all three sister in the Dicke family can enjoy a playground together.
Nine year old Taylor Dicke has a disease that prevents her from walking and talking, but she can swing-- thanks to the newly opened Sunshine Playground in New Bremen.
"She loves the wind in her face. Now her sisters can push her and everything, and enjoy it with her," said Joe Dicke, Taylor's father.
The play area was designed to be accessible for all kids.
"It's like Taylor can actually swing, and she can roll around," said Abigayle Dicke, Taylor's sister.
Kristin Hough of the New Bremen-New Knoxville Rotary Club came up with the idea after her special needs niece passed away.
"She was brought to the playground in Newark. Ohio and had her first experience on a swing, and it was the first time she ever giggled," said Hough.
Hough enlisted the support of village leaders, other rotary clubs, and anyone with a sympathetic ear. Despite a weak economy people paid attention.
About $250,000 was raised to make this playground a possibility, and the project was even completed ahead of schedule.
"I'm happy because I see wheelchairs that don't have kids in them. What more can you ask for?" said Hough.
Alex Albers helped cut the ribbon to open the playground. Alex has little muscle control, but he too can swing and enjoy the rest of what the playground has to offer.
"Now he can be with other kids, and they can all play together, and he can be up there versus sitting down below watching," said Melissa Albers, Alex's mother.
The next nearest accessible playground is 70 miles from New Bremen. Those involved, hope families from across West Central Ohio will take advantage of the chair swings, the wide walkways, and the all around fun now available at the Sunshine Playground.
