A Place Everyone Can Play

The difficult life of a joyous young boy is inspiring the creation of one of the nation's most inclusive playgrounds within Boca Raton's Patch Reef Park.

Like most children, Jordan Ogman loves playgrounds - and the Pirates Cove at Patch Reef Park has always been his favorite. But the rare genetic condition that limits his physical and cognitive development keeps him from enjoying some of the Cove's amenities.

“It's a beautiful facility,” Stacey Ogman, Jordan's mother, said of Patch Reef. “We see kids having the best time. But what we don't see is, we haven't seen the opportunity for my son and my daughter to be able to play side by side in an effortless way for Jordan.”

Stacey, her husband and Jordan's father David, and their 10-year-old daughter Kira, traveled throughout South Florida – and later much of the eastern United States - searching for inclusive parks.

Finding one in Chattanooga, Tenn., that's part of the Miracle League, David posted a picture on social media. 

That post found its way to District Commissioner Steve Engel's feed.

“I felt like, Why can't we have something like that here?” Engel said.

Engel invited Ogman to speak at a recent District meeting. As a result of Ogman's presentation, District Commissioners unanimously approved a re-design of the Pirates Cove to make it more accessible to children (and family members) with physical challenges.

The District's response overwhelmed David.

“I never in my wildest dreams thought that the Boca Raton Beach and Park District would hear Jordan's voice and would reach out and say, 'Let's build an inclusive park.'” David said. 

Upon hearing the news, an elated Jordan celebrated.

“He was so excited,” Stacey said. “He said, 'New playground for me!'”

Commissioners, Executive Director Briann Harms and David have already met with a playground architect to begin the redesign. 

Some likely improvements include replacing the wood chip ground cover - which can cause some to trip - with padded artificial turf; adding backs to some swings; and leveling the Pirates Cove ground.

New equipment will likely be lower to the ground, making it more accessible for all children.

“There is so much joy in the disability community knowing that Patch Reef Park is going to become an inclusive park,” Stacey said. “And I have to say, the commissioners and the people involved on the planning commission have been nothing but kind, and supportive, and absolutely wonderful to work with. I am astounded at how everybody has come on board and has been supportive of this.”

What additional improvement Jordan would like to see?

“A rocket ship,” Jordan said, smiling.

Kira supports that idea.

“Patch Reef Park is a beautiful place,” Kira said. “I believe it should have more things for disabled kids. Kids could really benefit from it. And especially my bother, he would love it. And we could have this as a daily park.”