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Terrebonne resident Erica Lambert stopped at the community’s first adaptive playground every day after the opening in July just to touch it and see it.
Lambert had been raising money since 2011 to make the park a possibility so her two sons, Carson, 7, and Braylon, 3, would have a place to play. Carson and Braylon were born with a rare genetic disorder called L1-syndrome, which comes with hydrocephalus, low-muscle tone, and adductive thumbs, just to name a few symptoms.
For Erica, the playground is important because her boys can play and interact with other children.
“I do not ever want my kids to say ‘they can’t do it,” Lambert said. “There are so many families in Terrebonne Parish who have children with special needs and then a child who does not face those challenges. This is a place where they can all go and watch their kids make fun memories.”
Lambert began raising money for the park setting up a bake sale at a pumpkin patch where she was able to raise $500.
Lambert raised the majority of her money from one particular day in October. She set up a 5K in Houma with the help of Cory Bourg, owner of racing company Split Second.
“He told me what I needed to do, so I did it,” Lambert said.
After being approached by her alma mater, Vandebilt Catholic High School donated funds from their Soup Bowl benefit that same night.
Between those two events, Lambert was able to raise $17,000 in just one day.
“That was our biggest day by far. We did have smaller events and private donations,” Lambert said. “We set up an account at South Louisiana Bank to make it more accessible to everybody. A $25 here and there adds up.”
Lambert helped fundraise close to $30,000 when she approached the Terrebonne Parish Council.
“She had a lot of stuff lined up ready to go. I told her we had a park so I took her to the park and showed her where we could put the playground.” Recreation District 2-3 President Gary Beeson said. “She was looking at a $140,000 playground, which would have taken her a long time to raise that money.”
Beeson and Lambert went to the parish board members who decided to help her build the playground.
“A few days after meeting, I got a phone call saying they wanted to build the playground,” Lambert said. “I always prayed that they would have an open mind and heart. When they called, it was awesome. They saw my vision and saw how much it could help all of the children around here.”
Recreation District 2-3 used saved yearly millage money and Lambert’s $28,000 to fund the playground for a total of $225,000.
District 2-3 and Lambert put their heads together to help design the structure.
“We took her drawings and worked with her on how we could design it by showing her what we wanted to do,” Beeson said.
The structure is 3,000 square feet with a ramp at the base for wheelchairs and walkers. On the pathway of the structure are drums, tic-tac-toe boards and musical displays with sound. The park also has swings with buckles and straps to accommodate those who are physically challenged.
The park has been a huge boost for Lambert and her sons.
“To see him get excited and play on that was the best feeling,” Lambert said.
Lambert said the park gives her a sense of pride when she sees other families out there playing and hearing the parents say how awesome it is.
“It is a great feeling,” she said. “My parents and grandparents raised me to make changes. If you see a change, do not wait for someone to do it for you. I wanted this change for my kids.”
The park is located at 713 San Antonio Blvd. in Houma.
Erica Lambert saw her vision come true. Her two boys, both of whom have a rare genetic disorder called L1-syndrome, are able to enjoy an adaptive park in Houma.
