Richardson East Rotary Club Relaunches its “Make It Happen!” Campaign for new Addition to Ann Eisemann Inclusive Playground
Project will create custom pavilion to be named “Annie’s Place” to serve as extension to the inclusive playground area.

The Richardson East Rotary Club (RERC) has announced plans for a new signature project at Cottonwood Park: the addition of a custom pavilion to the Ann Eisemann Inclusive Playground area. The pavilion, to be named “Annie’s Place” in honor of Ann Eisemann, will provide a welcoming, shaded space for families and visitors of all abilities to gather and enjoy the playground year-round.

The Make It Happen! Campaign
The relaunching of the Rotary Club’s Make It Happen! fundraising campaign happed on September 1 and aims to raise $175,000, the amount needed to fully fund the project. Efforts will include participation in North Texas Giving Day, submission of grant applications, special events and activities, and outreach to community donors who supported the first Make It Happen campaign. The campaign’s theme is a nod to the successful fundraising drive that brought the inclusive playground to life in 2019.

The playground, already a destination for inclusive play, features accessible equipment, sensory-friendly elements, and areas designed for a range of physical and developmental needs. The addition of “Annie’s Place” will extend the park’s appeal as a community gathering place. 

Ways to Help “Make It Happen! – Again!”
Community members interested in supporting the Make It Happen! campaign can learn more about the project and donation opportunities by visiting Richardson East Rotary Club’s website or following the club’s social media channels. 

Fundraising Events.
No events are currently scheduled.

Visit Richardson East Rotary Club Website

History of the Ann Eisemann Inclusive Playground
In 2015, the Richardson East Rotary Club approached the City of Richardson with the vision to complete a signature project. The goal was to create something unique, impactful, and long-lasting. From that emerged the idea of an inclusive playground with a sensory garden at Cottonwood Park.

An agreement was formalized in June 2016, with the City committing 2015 Bond Program funding for playground replacement, while RERC took on raising additional funds for added features. RERC raised donations through grassroots efforts combined with philanthropists Ann and Charles Eisemann contributing with naming-rights support, that also enabled the inclusion of fully accessible restrooms adjacent to the playground.

Groundbreaking took place January 13, 2019, and a ribbon-cutting followed April 23, 2019, formally opening the 11,000-square-foot Ann Eisemann Inclusive Playground. It features multiple play zones, sensory surfacing, accessible equipment, including specialized swings, a merry-go-round, roller slides, adjacent family-style restrooms, ramps, and a sensory garden.