Georgetown playground adds accessible lobster boat thanks to Pine Tree Society's The Kids’ Project

The Kids’ Project volunteer woodworkers Clyde Ricker, Bob Marion and Tom Morgan have made a big difference in the lives of children with disabilities.  The three volunteers from The Kids’ Project adaptive equipment program donated more than 200 hours of their time and talent to construct a fully accessible lobster boat for Georgetown Central School.

The authentic-looking lobster boat complete with a curved bow and cabin, offers a place to play for all children. 

"Children who use wheelchairs or walkers can enter the lobster boat through the open back of the boat, which is flush with the playground surface,” said Jeremy Lucas, director of The Kids’ Project adaptive equipment program.

Lucas also notes that the demand for accessible playgrounds is on the rise.

"We’ve been working with schools for the past 10 years to provide high-quality, affordable solutions to their students’ adaptive equipment needs,” he said.  "Schools are really seeing the need to make their playground an accessible place for all students.  For The Kids’ Project it’s a unique opportunity because the piece benefits children with and without disabilities offering opportunities for exercise and play while promoting social interaction.”

The Kids' Project is just one of the many programs of the Pine Tree Society.  The Kids' Project helps children with special needs experience success by providing affordable high-quality, adaptive equipment constructed by talented volunteers.  There are currently more than 100 Kids' Project volunteer woodworkers and upholsterers throughout the state of Maine.

Pine Tree Society provides Maine children and adults with disabilities the opportunities and the means to create better lives for themselves and their families.  Founded in 1936, Pine Tree Society provides programs statewide to people with physical and developmental disabilities. Each year the Society's innovative programs meet the many and varied needs of Maine people.  For more information, please call (207) 443-3341 or visit our Web site, www.pinetreesociety.org.