In June 2018, The Boundless Dreams Playground opened in Delray Beach, Florida. This playground is the first of its kind in Delray Beach, and the story behind it leads us to recent Pine Crest School graduate Ava Goldstone ’18.
“Boundless Dreams is a barrier-free playground designed for all children,” says Ava. “It is a handicap-accessible and inclusive playground that includes an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) approved ramp, sensory panels, a specialized surface, and a butterfly garden.”
At the end of her freshman year, Ava attended a baseball game organized by The Miracle League of Palm Beach County.
“The Miracle League is an organization that provides opportunities for children regardless of developmental or physical challenges they may have,” said Ava. “I was at the game as a guest, and I noticed the joy and positivity that emanated from the children. From then on, I was engaged with The Miracle League’s events and projects and started looking for ways to support its work.”
As a sophomore, Ava started an internship with the Director of The Miracle League, Julia Kadel, and that is where the idea for Boundless Dreams was born.
“Julia shared with me their idea to overhaul their playground. This idea resonated with me because I saw how disappointed the kids were that they could not join their friends on the playground after their baseball games,” said Ava. “I wanted to make the community more inclusive. I realized that a project of this scale came with a large price tag. I organized fundraisers and participated in the Palm Beach Philanthropy Tank.”
The Palm Beach Philanthropy Tank is a county-wide initiative aimed at inspiring and empowering teens to address needs within their communities. Ava was a 2017 recipient of a $15,000 grant after pitching Boundless Dreams in the “Shark Tank” style competition.
Watch Ava on WPTV talking about Boundless Dreams and her work with The Miracle League.
“There were a lot of challenges along the way,” said Ava. “I am simply a teenager, and it was hard for me to be taken seriously. Hurricane Irma and other weather set the project back a little, but all in all those challenges for me were nothing in comparison to what the kids face every day. That put things into perspective for me.”
After two years of fundraising and planning, Boundless Dreams opened in June 2018.
“It was incredible to watch the players interact on the playground,” said Ava. “The smiles on their faces - it was magical. I can’t really explain it. I knew the playground was a big undertaking, but I don’t think I fully understood exactly what was required to see it through. I encourage others to engage with their communities and advocate for positive social change. Immerse yourself in community service that feels right to you - not because you have to, but because it feels good in your heart.”
Ava will be a freshman at Washington University in St. Louis this fall. What is next for her?
“The Miracle League has a chapter in St. Louis, so I am interested to see what that has to offer for me,” said Ava. “I would like to keep building playgrounds and making a difference in communities that are important to me. And for now, I am just eager to embrace my first year of college.”