Handicap Swing Now Open at DeWitt City Park

Three years, and just a little over $10,000 dollars later, and Rylee Dumond’s S.W.I.N.G. (Service With Impact for a New Generation) project is finally complete. The project, which began as Dumond’s Girl Scout Gold Award project took a little longer than anticipated, but now after hundreds of hours of fundraising and hard work and dedication, the swing is finally open to the public for people with handicaps.

When Dumond first took on the project in May of 2017 she did not realize the length of time it would take to complete, and when she and her family were told it would cost $10,000, they were a little skeptical, but didn’t let the dollar amount deter them from making the project a success.

Living in such a small community, such as DeWitt that is always giving to different groups, organizations, and projects, the thought of raising the money was a little overwhelming at times, but it did not stop Dumond.

Over the past three years since the project began, Dumond has spoken to multiple organizations and groups about her project and the impact it would have on the community members who need a little extra help while they enjoy swinging at the park. Once she spoke at the first meeting, it didn’t take long before Dumond was asked by other groups and organizations to speak at their meetings and provide more information on the project. (That is one of the bonuses of living in such a small community. Word travels fast!) Dumond also hosted multiple bake sales to help raise funds for the project.

Raising the money for the swing wasn’t the biggest obstacle for Dumond though. Once she had the funds, and the order for the swing was placed, it wasn’t long before major obstacles presented themselves. First, it took longer to get the swing than anticipated and then the weather in the Fall became too wet to do the groundwork at the park. In the Spring of this year, the swing was finally placed at the park, but then the fencing and sidewalk work had to be done. As if that wasn’t enough to make Dumond wonder if it would ever be complete COVID-19 struck.

As we are all aware, COVID-19 has taken its toll on many events, and the S.W.I.N.G. project was one of them. Dumond had hoped to be finished with the project in the Spring, but it wasn’t until just last week that it was finally opened to the public. Hosting a small opening, Dumond invited Bro. Jeff Temple and his wife Cheryl and their son Luke. Luke, who is wheelchair bound, was the first to get to enjoy the swing. Smiling from ear to ear, it was evident that Dumond’s S.W.I.N.G. project left an impact on Luke and his family.

The swing is not only for youth who have handicaps that prevent them from using the typical swings at the park, but also for the elderly who rely on others help and their wheelchairs to enjoy being outdoors. Nursing home patients are sure to enjoy the swing once COVID-19 goes away and allows them to make the trips to the park.

To say that Dumond’s project left an impact is an understatement. The swing will not only impact the lives of those with impairments, but it has left an impact on every person who has crossed paths with Dumond over the time she has diligently worked on the project.

In a post made on the projects Facebook page, Cheryl Temple commented and said, “I know this will help to encourage disabled and abled children to interact with each other and hopefully form lasting friendships as they play side by side!” The handicap swing will most definitely allow those with disabilities to socialize and make new friends!

Dumond’s mother, Chrystal, stated, “It truly takes a village and none of this would have been possible without this wonderful community. When news spread about this project, so many eagerly and generously joined in to make it bigger and better than imagined.” The list of friends and family who helped Dumond reach her goal is enormous, and Dumond is grateful for each and everyone of them for supporting her along her journey.

Dumond, and her family, want to thank the many friends, family, Belleview Church family, and everyone who helped by purchasing items at the bake sales along with Funcessories Too, Halbert Pipe & Steel, Carters Building Supply, New Leaf Florist, Godfrey Thomas Foundation, Duane Grisham Family, Whitmore Fertilizer Crew, DeWitt Jr. Womens Club, DeWitt City Hospital and Nursing Home Auxiliary, American Legion Auxiliary Unit #158, and the Girl Scout Troop 1309 leaders.