Inclusivity and welcome are at the heart of Friends of Gallatin Miracle Park. Its mission is to create accessible Gallatin parks so children of all abilities can enjoy fun, freedom and play.
The nonprofit’s contributions to the community have played an integral role in the founding of Miracle Park, Gallatin’s only ADA-compliant playground. The journey began when Karen West, president of Friends of Gallatin Miracle Park, had a simple desire for her daughter, Tabitha, to experience the joys of swinging. Tabitha was diagnosed with a genetic syndrome before turning 2.
West says, “Tabitha was an extraordinarily special little girl and had the biggest heart. When I realized that her life was going to have many physical challenges, I began putting myself into her shoes.”
West would take her daughter to accessible parks in different cities and notice bright yellow wheelchair swings at the playgrounds. She says, “It was then that Tabitha and I began advocating for one of those swings in our own town. So, we asked!”
After talking with the mayor, the Gallatin community recognized the need and rallied around West’s desire for an accessible playground. Everyone pitched in to raise funds and write grants that eventually came to fruition. The gates of Gallatin Miracle Park opened and became a space where all were welcome.
With the founding of the park came the beginning of Friends of Gallatin Miracle Park, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit built to create events and opportunities for people with disabilities, add additional items to the park, host cleanup days and more.
The park already boasts a variety of equipment for any child, including a wheelchair swing—an especially meaningful amenity to West—ramps, a flat-based baseball field, a sensory area, a pedal park and more. The nonprofit has also raised funds for a new communication board and STEM equipment.
For West, the work was worth it from the beginning. “My fondest memory by far was the opening day of the park! Seeing those children run and play with so much joy and excitement on their little faces. Seeing Tabitha’s friends swing on the wheelchair swing was especially heartwarming.”
Friends of Gallatin Miracle Park continues to advocate for children with disabilities through its fundraising and educational efforts with local clubs and organizations.
West says, “Children with disabilities want to be treated like all other children. They want to be spoken to, they want to be listened to. They want to be valued. I think there are a lot of misconceptions about disability, but honestly, it’s something that will affect everyone at some point in life. My hope is that people will come visit the Miracle Park and witness play and interaction with people of all different abilities, and then take that back out in the community and demonstrate that.”
West knows it can be challenging to advocate for change within a community. For other parents who want to make a difference, she says, “Don’t give up.”
Miracle Park stands as a beautiful example of what can happen when people unite for a shared good. For anyone who wants to get involved with the nonprofit’s mission, explore upcoming volunteer opportunities or support future expansion projects, visit the website and reach out.
FriendsOfGallatinMiraclePark.org | 615.395.5005 | info@friendsofgallatinmiraclepark.org