A park for children with disabilities has received a significant financial boost.

The city council unanimously approved resolution No. 8506 to accept a grant award from the “First 5 Sacramento Commission” for the “Play for All” playground at Folsom City Lions Park.

The Folsom Rotary Club raised money for the development of the project, as reported in last week’s Telegraph, for Folsom’s “tot lot,” as it is officially being called by the city.

It will be the first universally accessible children’s playground in the area, allowing children with disabilities to play alongside able-bodied kids.

Jim Pelley, with the Rotary Club of Historic Folsom, and Parks and Recreation Director Robert Goss were recognized for the work and time they put in to help receive the grant.

Through the grant, $70,000 has been made available, Goss said. It is estimated the total cost for the project is between $175,000 to $200,000.

This estimate is meant for the entire project to develop it with all its entities for the first phase, Goss said. He also explained that it is meant to last for decades into the future rather than for 10 or 12 years.

“Yes, it’s a huge step forward,” Pelley said.

The grant contract requires that the city owns and maintains the play area for 15 years.

“This is a good start,” Goss said.

Vice Mayor Jeff Starsky congratulated those involved with getting the project moving forward.

“Getting this kind of money and interest from First Five is … a big accomplishment, Jim. Congratulations,” said Starsky.

Councilman Ernie Sheldon said that while this is a big accomplishment, this “is the most expensive park that we’ll build, as you know, because the conditions are real tough.”

Pelley said there is still a need to raise more funds for the project, as this will only fund the first phase.

“Rotary’s involvement is that we raised the funds and it’s a gift to the city,” Pelley said of the park.

Construction of the project is not planned to start until November or December of this year, according to Goss.

Starsky stated that he supports the project and whatever needs to be done to move forward with it because there are no other facilities like it in the area.

“This is a special class, for disabled children to have an ability and a place to play and I can’t think of anything takes priority over that, from my personal perspective,” Starsky said.

Goss said the park is about allowing children with physical difference to get together.

“This is universally acceptable, barrier free and the fundamental concept is that all kids can play together all the time,” Goss said.

Sheldon added that it is important to keep in mind that the idea of this particular park is “not to segregate that particular group” or labeled as disabled.

“That’s not (the) goal. This park makes it so everyone can play on it and that is key,” Goss said.