Young Advocate Sparks Playground Inclusivity

Amelia Burbank has a straightforward goal: to help others. “I want to help,” the 10-year-old said. For over a year, she has promoted improvements at Schilling Elementary School in Homer Glen, making the playground more accessible for children with disabilities. Amelia, a fourth-grader, expressed a desire for all students, particularly those in wheelchairs, to join recess with their friends. Sitting on the sidelines saddens her.

To support this mission, Amelia and her family organized ‘Amelia’s Act of Kindness Yard Sale’ last May at Heritage Park. They collaborated with Homer Glen’s Ability Awareness Committee, assisting during HomerFest by managing the dunk tank and beer tent. A relative promoted their fundraiser in Arizona, encouraging contributions from California, Nevada, and Arizona. Together, Amelia and her family generated over $11,000 for playground enhancements, celebrated at the school’s fourth grade farewell party.

Principal Candis Gasa mentioned that Amelia’s contributions arrived at an ideal time. Homer Elementary School District 33C planned to replace mulch with wheelchair-accessible turf. The Schilling Parent-Teacher Organization raised $25,000 for new equipment. The turf ensures playground use during colder months by preventing closure due to frozen ground, Gasa noted. She presented Amelia with a heart-shaped wand in appreciation of her efforts.

District director Tim Russ shared that the playground upgrades exceeded $250,000, covering PTO, district, and Amelia’s funding. Upgrades included an enhanced drainage system, turf, a handicapped-accessible apron, a rock climbing structure, and musical instruments offering a sensory experience. Amelia contributed to a new Gaga Ball Pit, a game suitable for all skill levels. The manufacturer describes it as promoting equity in play spaces. “A lot of people are using it,” Amelia remarked. “It’s going to help the community and make kids feel more included.”

Originally, Amelia considered a basketball system suitable for different abilities, but installation costs were prohibitive, her mother Kim Burbank explained. This experience taught valuable lessons in turning ideas into reality. Amelia’s friends, Georgia McGoldrick and Kinsey Hellmuth, joined her fundraising and were thrilled to see the changes. “Everyone should be treated equally and fairly,” Kinsey stated. Georgia mentioned plans to continue advocating for inclusive playgrounds.

District 33C board member Melissa Chandarana emphasized the need for inclusivity. With a child with different abilities, she appreciates the accessible Gaga pit, which promotes universal participation. Karen R. Adamczyk, co-chair of the village’s Ability Awareness Committee, praised Amelia’s passionate presentations to board members, highlighting a shift in attitudes toward inclusivity over the past 20 years. “They are kids first,” Adamczyk emphasized. “They want to play and be included.”

Carly Bos, whose 10-year-old son Nolan has developmental delays, appreciates the opportunities accessible playgrounds provide, enabling her son to engage with peers. “It’s wonderful [Amelia] is thinking of other kiddos like him,” Bos said.

Principal Gasa noted the school’s commitment to community and unity, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity. “This is a big deal for developing into good citizens and effecting positive change,” she stated.

Michelle Mullins reported for the Daily Southtown.