The Chris Davidson Opportunity Park — an inclusivity-minded common space — is seeking donations to expand its operations.
The Midland park was originally constructed in 1989 before being relocated to the Bush Tennis Center by the Henry Foundation, according to NewsWest9. While this beloved park has provided fun for individuals of all abilities, it is now looking to expand the experiences it offers to guests by adding two zip lines to the facility. In order to do so, however, the park will require additional donations.
The current goal for the zip lines is $25,000, of which $7,000 have been raised.
The Chris Davidson Opportunity Park’s namesake fought a personal battle with muscular dystrophy before succumbing to the disease. He was one of the original students at the special needs school at Bynum School.
Davidson’s father, Steve, founded the park in his son’s honor, to provide individuals of all challenges with a fun place to socialize and play without fear of ridicule, judgment or limitations due to their unique abilities.
“What we want Chris Davidson Opportunity Park to be is a place where that doesn’t matter, it just flat out doesn’t matter because we’re not gonna have kids come out there and be spectators,” Davidson said.
Fundraising for the zip line project was started with Pennies for the Park, in order to purchase zip lines that are compatible with wheelchairs or without them — a truly inclusive activity.
One of the zip lines will be 33 feet long and the other will be 55 feet long.
“The whole idea is to say let’s let all children feel that freedom and that fun that we see kids on zip lines do," Davidson said.
Chris Davidson Opportunity Park is partnering with Bynum School’s students to raise the necessary funding to realize the addition of the zip lines.