By Rhett Wilkinson

The South Jordan Rotary is on the move towards a playground that disabled and non-disabled children alike can use, with a major function to boost the necessary funding.

The rotary hosted MiniGolf Aug. 27 at Mulligan’s Golf & Games in South Jordan.

The Rotary needs $250,000 to make South Jordan Rotary PlayGarden a reality. So far, it has raised $117,000. The goal is to have it installed for next summer.

From Thanksgiving dinners to the homeless to helping the Hopi Indians, the Rotary has proven to be “especially unique,” said Patty Johnson, a volunteer for South Jordan Rotary.

“They are incredibly giving and service-oriented and think about who needs the most help and where can they serve,” Johnson said. “We’re hoping to create a future in which people are lifelong humanitarians.”

Johnson’s career helped her see how beneficial all-inclusive playgrounds are. Through her work as marketing director for SME Steel, she saw how phenomenal the San Jose Rotary PlayGarden was, she said.

Johnson is “completely confident” that folks will donate enough money to make South Jordan’s version possible, she said.

“I believe there are enough people out there who are like-minded and socially conscious enough to want to create something for generations to come,” she said. “There are a lot of people who are aware and socially conscious enough to care. We’re only strong when we come together.”

The PlayGarden would be at East Riverfront Park.

Another fundraising event, a barbecue, will be held Sept. 18 from 4-8 p.m. at Dickie’s Barbecue Pit.