Haseya Women’s Club holds groundbreaking ceremony for its first inclusive playground

PERRY — Years ago, the Haseya’s Women Club sought the City of Perry’s help to create an inclusive playground. The group’s dream is closer to reality with a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday at Magnolia Point Park.  

The Haseya Women’s Club started in 2019 as a service league. The club raised about $1 million for equipment. 

Avoly Wainwright and Melissa Murphy, co-chairs of the Haseya Playground project, are passionate about Houston County’s first inclusive playground. 

Wainwright’s child has a disability. When her son was two, he suffered a brain injury and had a life-saving surgery in 2022. He could play on a traditional playground again; however, this is not always the case. 

Murphy is an occupational therapist who helps many children with disabilities. 

She and Wainwright met years ago and quickly realized, although they have different perspectives, they share a vision. Murphy chose the equipment. 

“We’re just really excited to have a place for inclusion to be possible,” Murphy said. 

The playground will span approximately 18,000 square feet, designed to accommodate a wide range of physical and sensory needs.

The park will have a bouncy surface, so a child will not be hurt if they fall. It will also be wheelchair and mobility-device accessible. 

Communication boards will be available for nonverbal children. There will be multiple options for kids to interact. 

Wainwright said the club wants parents to know their children will have a fun and safe time. Murphy hopes the playground will be the first of many and a foundation for inclusivity, appealing to families who may feel isolated. 

“To have a place [where] we can all come together is really important to us,” she said. 

The club anticipates the playground will open in the summer. Magnolia Point Park is located at 148 Langston Road.