Norfolk, Nebraska
No matter who you are or what your ability, you will be embraced here. This is the concept of the aptly named Embrace Park in Norfolk, Nebraska. In partnership with Creative Sites, the exclusive Burke Representative in Nebraska, the Nortolk Family YMCA, the Nortfolk Area Community Foundation Fund and the City of Norfolk, Emily Afrank completed a project close to her heart. Two years in the making, this fully inclusive park is everything Afrank hoped for and more.
As a pediatric physical therapist at a local hospital, Afrank began bringing her young clients to the city’s parks to assess their needs. After realizing that the existing parks weren’t meeting the needs of the children she was working with, she began doing some research. Out of the research an idea was born - a FULLY inclusive park that all children could play together on. After fundraising and working with the Norfolk Area Community Foundation Fund, they raised the needed funds to create a playspace worthy of such a great, supportive community. From the Cruiser to the fully ramped Nucleus® structure to the Volito swing, all children can find the best of themselves through play and learn to embrace everyone’s uniqueness.