All-Access Playground

Many times, children with special needs cannot fully enjoy the simple pleasure of playing on a playground.  Way back in 2002 before SNAFU was even a thought in anyone's mind, Suze Black was watching her friend's daughter, Julia, army-crawl through bark to play with the other children on a play structure.  Julia could not walk or crawl so army-crawling on her stomach was her primary mode of transportation.

Julia endured daily tummy-splinters but didn't seem to mind so much because she wanted to play with the other children.  This inspired Suze to begin the long process of making sure a playground was built in the community of Ripon for ALL children to enjoy regardless of ability.

Suze began working with the Ripon City Council in 2002 to help build this playground.  In 2006, Councilman Dean Uecker and Councilman Red Nutt helped to bring about the formation of the All-Access Playground Committee.  The Committee consists of the City Engineer, Parks & Recreation Department, parents of typically-developing and special-needs children and Councilman Uecker and Nutt.

In 2008, the playground was approved by the Ripon City Council.  However the budget crisis prevented the necessary funds to be available to build the park. 

In February 2009, Julia Hatcher, the original inspiration for this playground, passed away peacefully in her sleep just one day after her 7th birthday.

SNAFU is more determined than ever to have this playground built for all children to enjoy and in Julia's memory and for her parents, Scott and Dorine Hatcher, to enjoy and to show them how big of an impact Julia had and still has on so many lives.  The playground will boast slides accessible to children in wheelchairs and children with upper-body strength, a sensory garden, quiet areas and much, much more. 

For this reason, SNAFU has established a special fund to raise money to make this playground become a reality.  SNAFU is also lobbying for the park to be named after Julia.

To make a donation to the Playground Fund, you can make a donation by going to our You Can Help! page by clicking HERE.  Donations are accepted by mail or PayPal.  You can also make a donation through Facebook HERE or through Network for Good https://www.networkforgood.org/donation/MakeDonation.aspx?ORGID2=203162983. Donations can also be mailed to:  Bank of Stockton, c/o SNAFU Julia Hatcher Memorial Playground Fund, PO Box 240, Ripon, CA 95366.  Please reference account #3310008770.

Together we can make a big difference!

April 2009:  View photos of our Rummage Sale which included a Jump for Julia jumpy house fundraiser HERE!