The Grand Opening of Hannah’s Hope Playground in Portage were monumental moments for the community of Northwest Indiana. The sun was shining on that beautiful Sunday afternoon, where many joined together to experience this significant moment in time. With the cutting of the ribbon, Hannah’s Hope Playground opened so many opportunities to kids, families, and the community.
Hannah’s Hope is a nonprofit charity that started in the honor of Hannah Martinez, the daughter of the founder of the organization, Mike and Mary Martinez. The organization was designed to provide developmental equipment to kids with special needs, which is why the playground was designed to be fully accessible to all kids, regardless of ability, making it great for everyone.
The day was filled with remembrance, honor, and thankfulness as people stepped on to this beautiful playground. Hannah’s Hope Playground captivated the eyes of many. For some, it was a dream that came true. The President and Founder of Hannah’s Hope, Mike Martinez, described what October 29, 2017 means to him.
“Today is a 7-year dream that has become a reality,” Martinez explained.
After all the hard work and planning, Martinez finally got to see the great things that this park will bring to so many kids. Martinez described the mission of Hannah’s Hope and how the idea of the park started.
“My wife, Mary had an idea for an all-inclusive playground while we were sitting with Hannah, and there was really nothing to do,” Martinez said. “Part of Hannah’s Hope’s mission is to help all kids reach their fullest ability- and hopefully this playground does that for them.”
Not only is this playground great for every kid, but also for families. As Martinez explained, this playground will help families to stay connected.
“This is going to be a place where mom, dad, brother, and sister regardless of abilities can come and reconnect as a family unit,” Martinez stated. “To stay connected as a family unit, for everyone to play, is going to be amazing.”
Michelle Hostetler, an attendee, explained why this playground will be good for the community and how it will make everyone stronger.
“I think it will bring unity,” explained Hostetler. “It is great to bring a bunch of people together and no one will be excluded” Hostetler described. “I think it is also a great thing for Portage and for people in the surrounding communities.”
As for the kids, this playground will help them grow and continue to learn. Clinical Coordinator and Speech Therapist at Jacob’s Ladder, another local charity for children with special needs, Laura Crohan, explained how kids can grow from playing at this park.
“I think that having the therapeutic intention as well is going to be really nice,” said Crohan. “Often times, parents can’t take their kids to the playground. Having something that they can come to and play by working on their motor skills and speech skills, and having a really fun time at the same time, is going to be really great.”
Hannah’s Hope Playground will give many kids, families, and the community hope to reach many goals. From this significant moment, many can learn and continue to grow as a community. This park allows everyone to play together. When everyone is connected and together, everyone becomes stronger.