Aurora, IL Construction Company, R.C. Wegman, recognized for serving as the General Contractor on the Hope in Motion Project, coordinated the successful completion of the playground project for the Hope D. Wall cooperative public school.
When the Hope Wall School required wheelchair friendly access to the running track and playground equipment, R. C. Wegman stepped up to the challenge and volunteered to coordinate and oversee the entire project. Accessibility to the playground and track are a major requirement for the school since they host over 200 children with mild to severe-profound levels of disabilities. The majority of these children were isolated from the equipment due to the lack of wheelchair access to the playground.
When the local Aurora, IL business community learned about the undertaking, more volunteers stepped forward. Recreation Concepts provided the state of the art Playground Equipment and donated the time of Erick Oleson, one of their staff members, to ensure the equipment was installed to the necessary specifications. Ozinga donated impervious materials for a ramp and side walk. Pervious paving is unique to this project as it is the first and only impervious paving sidewalk in the City of Aurora. Elanar Construction, a certified playground installer was entrusted through R. C. Wegman Construction Company to direct volunteer efforts. Martha Schromer, owner of Heitkotter Inc volunteered her time and staff for the project. The M/M Peters Company contributed the sidewalk installation expertise. Affiliated local unions involved in the project included: Sheet Metal Local 265, Brick Layers 74, Laborers Local 149, Plumbers and Pipe Fitters 501, Scott Roscow business agent for 501, Carpenters Union 916 and 839. Bill Garrish, business agent for 916 and 831was responsible for spearheading the labor efforts for the playground's construction.
The playground project was successfully completed and erected in one day by volunteers. "Sandy Lowder was the driving force of this project. Without Sandy's imagination and Spirit, none of this would have been possible," Said Mark Baum of R. C. Wegman Construction Company.
Sandy Lowder, the art teacher and project leader is now preparing to host the Special Olympics Young Athletes Program. This is possible in large part to the new accessible playground and track-field. "We could not have done it without the assistance of RC Wegman and the fantastic efforts of the community" said Sandy. She continued saying, "Not only do we have a beautiful state-of-the-art impervious paving sidewalk but now the children are safer and the entire school yard is accessible and usable"
About R.C. Wegman Construction Company:
R.C. Wegman Construction Company, an Aurora, IL commercial/industrial construction company employs a staff of professionals that average 24 years of experience in project management, administration, engineering, estimating and construction. This experience, coupled with our continuing commitment to quality, budget, schedule and safety, has earned the company a reputation as one of the most respected and competitive construction firms in the area.