April 14, 2025 (Athens, OH) – The Athens Sunrise Rotary Club is proud to announce a $6,000 donation to support the inclusive playground project at Alexander Local Schools. This gift represents a continued commitment to creating welcoming, accessible spaces for all children and builds on the Club’s ongoing support for the project. These funds were primarily raised from the club’s New Year’s Eve Masquerade event and matched by the Athens Sunrise Rotary Foundation, which is supported by member and community donations.
Josh Radcliff, President of Athens Sunrise Rotary, emphasized the alignment between the project and Rotary’s mission, “We couldn’t be more excited to be a part of this amazing community and project. As proud Rotarians, we follow a mantra surrounding ourselves with projects and people that better the lives of others, push for equality for all, and promote truth. The inclusive playground project embodies everything that we are, and the Rotary represents.”
The inclusive playground, currently in multiple phases of construction of its three play spaces at Alexander Local Schools, will feature sensory-friendly equipment, adaptive swings, ramps to play structures, and other accessible design elements to ensure all students—regardless of ability—can play and grow together. The playground committee solicited teacher and student input as well as feedback from the disability community about what an inclusive play experience looks like to them.
The first area of the playground was completed in 2024, and the second area is slated for construction this summer. The playground project committee is currently raising financial support for the third and final phase of the project, slated for 2026.
Volunteer and Co-Chair Annah Korpi expressed deep appreciation for the club’s support and long-standing partnership. “Athens Sunrise Rotary has been a champion for this project from the start, and their continued investment brings us closer to making this dream a reality for our students and families.”
Alexander Local School Superintendent Will Hampton, a member of Athens Sunrise Rotary, shared his gratitude for the community’s ongoing support of this project, “I am incredibly grateful for the tremendous generosity of the Athens Sunrise Rotary and our wonderful community. Your support brings us closer to our goal of completing of creating a truly inclusive playground where every child can play and belong.”
Athens Sunrise Rotary, part of Rotary International, is a network of local professionals and community leaders committed to service, leadership, and fellowship. In addition to fundraising from the New Years event, Athens Sunrise Rotary also supported the playground through its popular Drafts for a Difference happy hour program. Since its inception in 2016, Drafts for a Difference has generated over $35,000 for local charities. The Pigskin Bar and Grille is currently the partner host of Drafts for a Difference, although other local establishments have hosted in the past.
To learn more about Athens Sunrise Rotary or get involved, visit www.athenssunriserotary.org or find them on Facebook (@AthensSunriseRotary). Community members are welcome to drop in to the club’s regular weekly meetings, held at 7am every Thursday in the back room of Donkey Coffee.
For more information about the inclusive playground or to make a contribution, please visit https://www.alexanderinclusiveplayground.org/.
Playground Committee Co-Chair Annah Korpi and Athens Sunrise Rotary President Josh Radcliff, April 2025. Photo provided by Athens Sunrise Rotary.
Committee and Community Members, Phase 1 Completion, 2024. Photo provided by Alexander Inclusive Playground Committee.