Aidin's Place Playground

Aidan James Gaffney was born on December 5, 1995. He was a bright eyed, courageous, sensitive and beautiful boy that was born with a progressive disease that left him ventilator dependant and wheelchair bound.

In a wheelchair for five and one half years, Aidan taught us what it was like to be physically disabled in this world. One of his favorite activities was watching his siblings play at local playgrounds on the West Side of Los Angeles. Denied the opportunity to play himself because of poor accessibility, Aidan inspired us to build this playground so children of all abilities could play in their neighborhood parks.

As parents we believe it is a fundamental part of childhood to play regardless of your physical or mental status. Playgrounds such as the one that you are about to enter should be the rule not the exception throughout the United States. It is our hope that with increasing awareness of this need and adequate public funding, all future public playgrounds built throughout America will be designed to serve the needs of every child in the community.

Aidan died on June 26, 2001 and never lived to see the opening of this great playground. But his spirit is present and lives on in the children's laughter you hear today in the park. Enjoy your time here today and celebrate the opportunity to interact with people of all abilities.

Nicole and Charles Gaffney

The forever-proud parents of Aidan James Gaffney

For information on how you can help create a Boundless Playground for the children of your community, please call Shane's Inspiration, Boundless Playgrounds Resource Center West, (818) 752-5676 .