Amelia Burbank’s Drive for Inclusive Playgrounds

Amelia Burbank, a 10-year-old with a clear mission, wants to make playgrounds more accessible for children with disabilities. Attending Schilling Elementary School in Homer Glen as a fourth grader, Amelia has dedicated over a year to ensuring that classmates, especially those using wheelchairs, can join in playground activities. Her passion stems from disliking seeing others left out.

To bring her vision to life, Amelia and her family organized Amelia’s Act of Kindness Yard Sale at Heritage Park last May. Their efforts extended to connecting with Homer Glen’s Ability Awareness Committee. They also volunteered at a local festival, contributing to the dunk tank and beer tent. A relative even spread the word on his radio show in Arizona, drawing support from states like California and Nevada. These actions helped raise over $11,000 for playground equipment.

This fundraising effort aligned perfectly with plans at Homer Elementary School District 33C. According to Principal Candis Gasa, the district intended to replace mulch with wheelchair-accessible turf. The Schilling Parent-Teacher Organization contributed $25,000 to this initiative. The turf is beneficial as it remains usable in colder months, eliminating the need to close the playground when temperatures drop. In honor of her kindness, Gasa gifted Amelia a heart-shaped wand, praising her efforts as magical.

The playground, now equipped with wheelchair-accessible turf, represents a part of extensive improvements totaling over $250,000. District funds, the PTO, and Amelia’s fundraising played roles in these enhancements, highlighted by Tim Russ, director of building and grounds. Upgrades include enhanced drainage, new turf, a handicapped-accessible apron, a rock climbing structure, and sensory musical instruments. Amelia’s contributions notably funded a new Gaga Ball Pit, an inclusive area for playing dodge ball suitable for various skill levels.

Although Amelia initially explored a basketball system for different abilities, its installation costs were prohibitive. Her mother, Kim Burbank, saw this as a valuable lesson in the challenges of realizing ideas.

Amelia’s peers, Georgia McGoldrick and Kinsey Hellmuth, helped with fundraising and were eager to witness the transformation. They believe inclusivity is about fairness and opportunity, a sentiment echoed by District 33C board member Melissa Chandarana, whose child faces challenges akin to those Amelia champions. The progress toward accessible playgrounds in the district is essential to Chandarana, as inclusivity allows everyone to participate.

Karen R. Adamczyk of the Ability Awareness Committee praised Amelia’s initiative, underscoring that such inclusive attitudes were rare previously but now significantly impact students with special needs. As Adamczyk, a retired school social worker, noted, “They are kids first,” emphasizing the universal desire to play and feel included. Joyal Akkawi, another committee member, admired Amelia’s contribution, seeing it as inspiring for the next generation.

Carly Bos, whose son Nolan has developmental delays, appreciates how accessible playgrounds foster social bonds, saying Amelia’s consideration for others like her son is heartwarming.

Principal Gasa emphasized the school’s commitment to community, unity, and inclusion, aligning with their educational mission to nurture good citizens who can instigate change. This outlook on empathy and inclusivity enriches the students’ development, rooted in the school’s teachings.

Michelle Mullins, reporting for the Daily Southtown, sheds light on this heartfelt story.