Spartan Park Swing Seat

On April 8, 2015 the Zonta Club of Spearfish awarded over $32,000 to 36 non-profit groups in the Northern Hills.  One of those non-profits was the Kenadi Jean Weis Foundation.  The foundations’ request for the grant money was to purchase an all-inclusive swing seat to be placed in a neighborhood play area.   

As soon as the grant money was awarded the Kenadi Jean Weis Foundation ordered the inclusive Swing Seat from Landscape Structures, an industry leader for inclusive playground design and equipment.       

Kelly A. Weis, Foundation President and Mommy to Kenadi Jean and Kannan Marie, presented the concept of a play environment that welcomes kids and families of all abilities to the Spearfish Parks & Recreation Advisory Board.  She explained that a park is more than just a collection of play equipment, it is a place for fun, where generations can come together and share common experiences, and where community members gather and build relationships.  Placing the Inclusive Swing Seat in a local park will allow children of all abilities to play side by side, teaching the valuable lessons of compassion, awareness, and acceptance.  

After a discussion with Keith Hepper, City of Spearfish Parks, Recreation & Forestry Superintendent, it was determined that the best playground for the Swing Seat was Spartan Park (behind the Dog Park) designed for ages 5 through 12.  This Swing Seat was installed on July 2 and is the first piece of truly all-inclusive play equipment to be placed in a public park in our community.  The deep, wide ergonomic seat accommodates individuals of all ages and abilities.  

The Kenadi Jean Weis Foundation, Zonta Club members, and community supporters thank the City of Spearfish for their shared vision of a municipality that can live, love and grow together.