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Active duty Airman advocates for inclusive playground, community

  • Published
  • By Sandy Simison
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
The Properties of Wright Field will soon have a new playground -- an inclusive playground -- thanks to the advocacy efforts of Tech. Sgt. Amanda Golembiewski, a Public Health apprentice with the United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine here.

Golembiewski, founder of the non-profit organization Grace Lynn All Play, received approval Feb. 25 granting her the land to build a new playground for families with disabled and able-bodied children to equally enjoy.

The inclusive playground will be a community building effort this fall, explained Golembiewski.

"It will be a place for not only special needs children, but for all families -- for all children -- to help instill a feeling of not being separate," she said.

Michael Dalton, the director of military housing, stated that the Miller-Valentine Group and the Properties at Wright Field are honored to partner with the Golembiewski's as they pursue their vision in building the first "All Play" ADA playground at PWF, which adds to the 41 playgrounds on the property.

"We believe this is an outstanding benefit for our families, for all kids to have interaction with each other," said Dalton. "With almost 1,500 families, this is an outstanding addition. We are honored to provide the location and maintenance after-care for this venture."

Golembiewski and her active duty spouse have three children. Their youngest daughter Grace was diagnosed with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, which derives its name from the Greek language, meaning "the curving of joints."

"I had to choose to stay in the Air Force or get out once I had Grace," said Golembiewski. She was a whole separate job and it was sometimes difficult to balance the two."

But then Golembiewski was stationed at Wright-Patt, a move that she describes as a "blessing in disguise."

"The base has more than 650 families with special needs, and there is a huge exceptional family member program for the families," she said. "At Wright-Patt, I am able to work full time, take care of my family, and also give back to the community."

This understanding and gratitude inspired Golembiewski to go above and beyond.

"I started the non-profit organization last year with the end goal to build this inclusive playground by the fall of [2016] here for the base."

And she hopes her idea doesn't stop with Wright-Patt families and playgrounds. She explained that once the inclusive playground is built here, she would like to see other bases build more inclusive playgrounds.

"I think the more people know about inclusive playgrounds, the better it will be," said Golembiewski.

Grace, who is immobile, will soon have the opportunity to play alongside other children at this new playground, which will be located off Meehan Drive in the Prairies. Raising awareness about the need to create inclusive environments for children -- both her own and others -- is what this Airman set her mind to do.

"It has to do with always taking an opportunity and not limiting yourself," Golembiewski said.  "Why not try it? If you're successful, you're successful. If it works out, it works out. If it doesn't, you grow from it."

The Golembiewskis were also highlighted by the United Rehabilitation Services of Greater Dayton, an organization that enhances the quality of life for children and adults with disabilities or other special needs.

For further information, please contact the Properties of Wright Field or visit the Grace Lynn All Play Facebook page.