[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 124 (Thursday, September 28, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1855]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF CONGRESS THAT THERE SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED A 
                           LET'S ALL PLAY DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN B. LARSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 27, 2006

  Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the 
distinguished gentleman from Rhode Island, Mr. Langevin for his 
leadership on this bill. As cosponsor, I also want to express my strong 
support for children of all abilities to have environments where they 
can learn and play together.
  As the father of three, I understand that play is essential to 
healthy childhood development. Play inspires thinking, imagination, 
problem-solving and creates learning opportunities that can't be found 
in the classroom. Playgrounds are where children can play, learn and 
understand the world around them. Unfortunately, in many cases, the 
design of traditional playground isolates children with disabilities 
from playing, learning and sharing with their peers.
  Today, we are introducing legislation that recognizes that all 
children should have equal access and equal opportunity to play 
together on barrier-free, inclusive playgrounds. This bill would 
express the sense of Congress that a ``Let's All Play Day'' should be 
established for all children, including the estimated 6 million 
children in the United States with a disability that make it hard or 
impossible to enjoy traditional playgrounds.
  As we discuss the importance of play for all children, I want to take 
a moment to recognize the work of the National Center for Boundless 
Playgrounds. The National Center for Boundless Playgrounds is a 
champion in bringing the joy of play to all children with and without 
disabilities. Formed in 1997 and located in the town of Bloomfield in 
the First Congressional District, Boundless Playgrounds in 
collaboration with Hasbro, Inc. and GameTime has helped communities in 
21 states create more than 100 extraordinary ``boundless'' barrier-free 
playgrounds. I want to thank the Center for their tireless work and 
dedication in the state of Connecticut and across the country on behalf 
of all children.
  Mr. Speaker, as children with and without disabilities learn together 
in classroom, we should encourage their learning together outside on 
the playground. I encourage my colleagues and communities across the 
country to join me and Congressman Langevin in celebrating the joy of 
play for all children, with all abilities, in every community.

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