KENNEWICK, Wash.- Kason is a nine-year-old boy with Cerebral Palsy who is advocating for parks for all abilities in what he calls “Kason’s Kause.”
Kason has struggled to find a playground that is disability-friendly in the area that accommodates him and his wheelchair.
That was until November 7, 2023 when Kennewick Parks and Recreation unveiled a new play area at the Playground of Dreams at Columbia Park called “Kason’s Korner.”
“It feels great knowing that I can come and play here whenever I want,” said Kason. “It just feels so good.”
Kason visited Pasco, Kennewick and Richland city council meetings hoping his story and experience would create change.
Kennewick Parks and Recreation Director Nick Farline said he met Kason last year when he shared his experience at an October 2022 city council meeting. At the meeting, Kason said his grandma would have to carry him to the ADA swings because he wasn’t able to wheel through the bark chips.
“I’m really encouraged that we had a young man in our community that was that courageous, that inspired to create some change,” said Farline. “For us it was just about listening and carrying through.”
Kason’s Korner features a We-Go-Round, We-saw and Sensory Play Center as well as grass around the area for better mobility.
Farline said Kennewick has a larger goal of accessibility and inclusiveness across all playgrounds. He said bark chips are ADA compliant, but it’s just the bare minimum.
“We’re looking at having a standard of including this playground grass whenever we’re re-doing or putting in any new playgrounds,” said Farline.
Kason said he loves that his able-bodied friends can play with him at Kason’s Korner too.
“I hope that everyone enjoys this park abled and disabled.”