Every child deserves a place to play, dream, make friends, and feel included—regardless of ability. In Northern California, that place is Universal Universe Playground in Sacramento’s historic Southside Park. Opened in 2005, this beloved playground has been a vital space for children of all abilities to play together in an inclusive and imaginative environment.
When the City of Sacramento began replacing worn playground equipment in 2020, Jonnie and Friends Reach for the Stars stepped in to help, successfully funding and installing a We-Go-Round—a fully wheelchair-accessible ride—by 2021. But we didn’t stop there! Working alongside the City and our community partners, we’ve continued adding much-needed sensory play features, including a Serenity Spot and a Communication Symbol Panel.
Now, we’re reaching for the stars again—and we need your help!
Current Fundraising Goal: Sensory Play Center
Help us raise $40,900 to bring this interactive, multisensory experience to the playground!
This Sensory Play Center will feature tactile, visual, and musical panels designed to engage all kids in exploration, creativity, and social play. It will also support visual tracking, sensory stimulation, and inclusive fun for children of all abilities.
Looking Ahead: More Inclusive Play Features!
🌟 NASA Braille Plaques – An educational experience for children with low vision to explore the Sun, planets, and galaxy through touch. This could be California’s first-ever NASA Braille playground installation!
🌿 Sensory-Rich Accessible Garden – A beautiful space featuring plants with unique textures and aromas, plus wheelchair-friendly raised planters allowing all children to touch, smell, and explore a variety of textures and scents in a welcoming, interactive environment.
By donating, you’re helping create a playground where every child feels included, engaged, and inspired.
👉 Give today and be part of the dream!
When you donate, please be sure to select: Jonnie’s Dream Playground at Southside Park (SPAP)!
Who is Jonnie?
This project began as a tribute to Jonnie Laver, who developed meningitis at a young age and used a wheelchair. Jonnie loved the Universal Universe Playground, spending countless hours there playing, exploring, and making friends. After his passing in 2019, his family committed to honoring his memory by improving the playground he cherished.
With the support of the City of Sacramento and the incredible generosity of donors like you, Jonnie’s legacy continues—creating a place where all children, regardless of ability, can play, dream, and belong.
Past Projects: Turning Dreams Into Play
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Jonnie and Friends Reach for the Stars has already brought several incredible features to Universal Universe Playground—making play more inclusive, accessible, and engaging for children of all abilities.
✅We-Go-Round | $35,000
Completed: November 2021
In 2020, we set out to replace an abandoned merry-go-round with something safe, fun, and fully wheelchair accessible. The We-Go-Round is an inclusive ride that allows children of all abilities to spin and play together, ensuring no one is left on the sidelines.
✅Serenity Spot | $22,000
Completed: March 2025
The Serenity Spot offers a calming retreat within the playground—a quiet place where kids who feel overwhelmed or overstimulated can take a break while still being part of the fun. Designed with children on the autism spectrum and those with sensory sensitivities in mind, this peaceful space encourages self-regulation and relaxation.
🔄Communication Symbol Panel | $4,000 (estimated)
Installation: May 2025
This interactive panel is designed for nonverbal children, early learners, and those with speech challenges, providing a way to communicate with caregivers and friends using easy-to-understand visual symbols. It’s another step toward ensuring every child has a voice on the playground.
🎨 Hand-Painted Signs in Sun Plaza
Installation: May 2025
A vibrant addition to the playground, these cheerful, space-themed signs will be hand-painted by neurodivergent students in collaboration with St. Francis High School. They will breathe new life into a long-vacant signpost in Sun Plaza, celebrating creativity, inclusivity, and the talents of young artists of all abilities.
🌟 Every one of these projects has been made possible by donors like you! Help us continue to build an inclusive and imaginative play space for future generations.
📍 Learn more at JonniesDreamPlayground.com