By Cate Lecuyer
staff writer
—
BEVERLY — Tomorrow, they'll be either walking or rolling their wheelchairs around Kevin O'Grady School on Sohier Road.
But soon, the Northshore Education Consortium students will be getting similar exercise on a new playground.
Students have received pledges for at least $25 and will be doing 10 laps, or two miles, around the school as part of a "Walk and Roll" event to raise the remaining money to make it happen.
The state education collaborative is well on its way to funding the $125,000 for a playground designed for both able-bodied and disabled children up to the age of 10.
Danversbank recently donated $50,000, while Beverly hospital gave $1,750 and Beverly Rotary chipped in $500.
The Consortium plans to build the playground over the summer, in time for kids to use it in the fall. Once it's in place, the collaborative also plans to raise $175,000 for a playground designed for ages 11 to 21, along with a track and basketball courts for special needs students.
Kevin O'Grady School provides specialized services to students ages 3 to 22 with developmental disabilities, including autism, intellectual impairment, multiple handicaps and medical fragility.
Staff writer Cate Lecuyer can be reached at clecuyer@salemnews.com.
If you go
What: "Walk and Roll" event. A 10-lap, two-mile walk and roll around Kevin O'Grady School to raise money for a special needs playground.
When: Tomorrow. Registration begins at 9 a.m., and the walk will start at 10 a.m.
Where: Kevin O'Grady School, 112 Sohier Road
Info: To sign up, make a pledge, or receive more information, contact Jeff Shwom at jshwom@nsedu.org or call 978-232-9755 ext. 1251
Bonus: For every $25 raised, each family or person will receive a raffle ticket, and then an additional raffle ticket for every $100 raised. The event master of ceremonies is Radio Disney AM 1260.
