The ribbon cutting for the Ashley Nicole Dream Playground will be held on Wednesday, June 29, 2005 at 10:30 a.m. in Caswell Park.

The playground is Knoxville's first 100 per cent accessible playground and is named in honor of Ashley Nicole Manes, who suffered injuries in a 1999 automobile accident that left her paralyzed. "This playground will serve as a place for parents and children to play and learn together no matter their disabilities," Mayor Haslam said. "I'm happy to see the community getting involved to make a dream happen in Knoxville."

Family and friends, working under the auspices of the Disability Resource Center, initiated the drive for the project, soliciting the support of the City of Knoxville, creating its design and raising some $90,000 in private donations. Next Jim Howlett, owner of Howlett Equipment and father of a child with disabilities, led a group of volunteers who devoted hours of their time to erect the playground.

 "This is a prime example of a community partnership making a neighborhood in Knoxville a better place to live" said Sam Anderson, Senior Director of Community and Neighborhood Services.