FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Penn Township Board of Supervisors Authorize Land for All Inclusive Playground
In Photo, L - R: Chairman Jon Payne, Supervisor Brenda Moyer and Fritz Heinemann, President
Andy Russell Charitable Foundation Central Pennsylvania Region
The Penn Township Board of Supervisors have officially authorized the use of 9600 square feet of available land at the existing East Snyder Recreation Park for the construction of a state of the art All Inclusive, Barrier Free, Playground designed exclusively to accommodate children who may be autistic, have intellectual disabilities, hearing or sight impairments, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, spina bifida, are dependent upon wheel chair use, or have other life altering disabilities. Jon Payne, Chairman, Penn Township Board of Supervisors, along with members William Moyer and Brenda Moyer, presented Fritz M. Heinemann, President, Central Pennsylvania Region for the Andy Russell Charitable Foundation, copies of the Resolution and Memorandum of Understanding voted by the Board for use of the land and construction of the Playground.
In announcing the agreement, former Penn Township Supervisor, Pete DeWire, noted that no other totally designed All Inclusive Playground exists in Pennsylvania and said "once again, the central Susquehanna Valley area establishes the example and vision of community caring, sensitivity, and commitment to creating a valuable resource for the benefit of those with disabilities and physical challenges. The Penn Township Board of Supervisors are pleased to make land available for the Playground, to be part of this exciting and wonderful endeavor, and greatly appreciates the willingness of the Andy Russell Charitable Foundation to spearhead the project."
A former star linebacker with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Andy Russell and his wife, Cindy, are frequent visitors to the Susquehanna Valley community and have referred to the area as "their third home neighborhood." The Russell's established their Foundation in 1999 with its primary mission to fund children's causes linked to health, nutrition, mental health challenges, physical disabilities and impoverished circumstances. During that time they have contributed over $6 million to various charities and special needs causes. "Cindy and I love 'the Valley' and when the opportunity to help with the All Inclusive Playground project was presented we felt it was a perfect fit within our Foundation's mission and purpose and we're thrilled to be part of the effort" Russell commented.
With 15 specifically designed pieces of play equipment suited for all disabled, multi-handicapped and other physically or mentally challenged children and some adults, parents will be able to more easily socialize with their children; therapists can interact with their clients in structured exercises and settings that offer not only therapeutic benefits but an opportunity for children to simply laugh and have fun. An all volunteer fund drive is currently underway to raise $475,000 to cover the costs of construction and equipment. "This is an entirely volunteer endeavor" Cindy Russell noted, saying "no one is being paid, no commissions or personal expenses reimbursed, so that every contribution received goes directly to the Playground. Once it is built we'll turn it over to Penn Township and it becomes a community resource as part of the existing recreation center. It truly will belong to the people and especially the kids who will directly benefit" Mrs. Russell commented.
With offices in Lewisburg, The Russell Charitable Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) IRS recognized charitable, not for profit organization, and all donations are tax deductible. For additional information please visit
www.andyrussell.org or telephone 570-372-5322.
Submitted by: Julie Hartley, Penn Township Manager, 570-374-4778
For Additional Information please contact Fritz M. Heinemann at 570-428-5411
