ATD hopes new playground is the first of many

American Tire Distributors Inc. (ATD) and Boundless Playgrounds have officially opened Tread Town, an inclusive playground at Richard Barry Memorial Park in Huntersville, N.C. ATD is based in Huntersville.

The playground, primarily funded by a $100,000 grant from ATD, was built to allow children with and without disabilities to play together. It is only the fourth of its kind in the state of North Carolina, and the first in the Charlotte area.

“Boundless Playgrounds provide safe, positive places for all children to play, learn and thrive,” says Bill Berry, ATD's CEO and president.

Tread Town’s foundation was constructed from recycled rubber, which includes approximately 400 recycled tires. The surface allows children and caregivers to navigate the playground freely and safely.

The playground features ramped wheelchair access to the highest platforms, and exclusive state-of-the art solid harness swings for children who need additional back support.

"Nearly seven million children nationwide have a disability that prohibits them from enjoying the full experience of a traditional community playground,” says Fred Leone, CEO of Boundless Playgrounds, which is based in New Haven, Conn. “The new Tread Town playground will positively impact children and adults with and without disabilities for years to come.”

ATD announced the plans for the Tread Town playground during its annual Charity Golf Classic last year. It plans to raise more funds to build additional playgrounds "nationally across its service footprint" with the help of its 21st Annual Charity Golf Classic this fall.

For more information on Boundless Playgrounds, visit www.boundlessplaygrounds.org.