Embargo for Release:             March 9, 2010
For more information, contact:

Lauren Pearson, AAOS, 708-227-1773, pearson@aaos.org
C.J. Gibson, Jefferson Parish Department of Parks and Recreation, 504-736-6999
Mike Vietti KaBOOM! 202-464-6076

Family Fitness and Fun Park for Jefferson Children
Built in Just Eight Hours
Orthopaedic surgeons and community volunteers join together

JEFFERSON, La. – Every child deserves a great place to play and the children of Jefferson will receive just that – a Family Fitness and Fun Park designed by local children and built from the hard work of caring volunteers. 

On Tuesday, March 9, 2010, hundreds of American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ (AAOS) members and their families, community volunteers, orthopaedic nurses and Academy industry partners and related organizations are gathering from
8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Jefferson Playground
(4100 South Drive) to build the Park in a single day so the area children and kids of all ages – with and without disabilities – can play together in a safe, accessible environment. 

The 4,000 square-foot Family Fitness and Fun Park is sponsored by the Academy in partnership with Jefferson Parish Parks and Recreation, the Jefferson Playground Athletic Association and KaBOOM!, a national non-profit dedicated to bringing play back into the lives of children. 

Features of the new playground:

• Rubberized surfaces
• Wheelchair accessible ramps
• Safety sign in Braille
• Exercise stations
• Extensive amount of slides and play components
• Climbing and balancing activities for three generations – children, parents & grandparents

Quotes:
“Children of all ages will enjoy this safe play space for years,” explained John Gaffney, MD, orthopaedic surgeon specializing in pediatrics. “Being able to give back to the Jefferson community in a project of this scope, where all generations with and without disabilities can play and interact together, gives us the opportunity to prevent, not just treat, injuries,” added Dr. Gaffney.

“As a school teacher and coach for many years, I believe that play is important in the crucial stages of children’s growth and development,” said Jefferson Parish Councilman Elton Lagasse. “This development is a neighborhood gem and I am proud to have been part of this project from the beginning.”

“The new "Fun, Family & Fitness" Park will be aesthetically appealing to people of all ages in our community,” said Amanda Reed, Vice President of the Jefferson Playground Athletic Association. “Since it is a multi-generational project, everyone from tots, to teens, to seniors will enjoy this new spectacular addition to Jefferson Playground. Thanks to the generosity of AAOS, families will be able to have fun and work on fitness at Jefferson Playground.”

Tips to minimize and prevent playground injuries:

Playground Safety Information

Playground Safety: Tips for Kids

Playground partners:

AAOS

Jefferson Parish Parks and Recreation

KaBOOM!

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