CFD captain gains more support for special playground

Captain Skyler Phillips continues making a difference for families across the region through his ongoing efforts to build a fully inclusive playground at Jack Benson Heritage Park (Jenkins Road). On Tuesday, he was joined by Mayor Kelly, Mayor Wamp, city leaders, county officials, and lawmakers to announce a major funding update for Harvest Playground, which will provide opportunities for thousands of children of all abilities to be able to play without barriers. The project has now received $450,000 in funding commitments from the City of Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and the State of Tennessee. In total from all sources, the playground has reached $1.1 million of committed funding, more than halfway to the $2 million target. The public’s help is needed to raise the remaining $900,000. Captain Phillips, the CFD’s EMS Director, is the founder of Harvesting Inclusive Play and he was inspired by his son with autism to build this special playground. For more information about the Harvest Playground initiative, visit www.harvestinginclusiveplay.com.