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Playground for kids with disabilities gains nationwide attention

JANESVILLE — Inspired by her nephew to create a special-needs playground, Sherry Kuelz now is one of three Wisconsin residents, and one of only 90 national finalists, for People magazine’s “All-Stars Among Us” contest.

The contest honors people who have served as leaders and role models in their communities.

The Janesville woman was nominated for work at Palmer Park 20 years ago that brought about CAMDEN Playground, thought to be the world’s first playground completely accessible to the handicapped.

“When we started this, we didn’t expect any other recognition,” she said. “We just wanted a place for people with special needs to play.”

Voting in the contest was conducted online. The winner gets a free trip to the Major League Baseball All-Star Game at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif. Kuelz will find out Monday if she received enough votes.

The other Wisconsin finalists are Denae Davis of Milwaukee and Mitch Arnold of Fort Atkinson.

The playground is named after Kuelz’s nephew, Camden Hookstead, who has physical and mental disabilities. Kuelz recalled a trip to the park more than 20 years ago that sparked a discussion about construction of such a playground.

“We would go down to the playground with him, my two kids and his younger brother,” she said. “We’d go down to Palmer Park and take them out to play, and all he could do is stand there and watch.

“If you looked into his eyes, you could see he would love to be out there. The actions he would give us, you could tell he would love to be up there, if only there was a way to do it.”

Read the full story in the June 27, 2010 e-edition of The Janesville Messenger, PAGE 8.