A dream rooted in love, inclusion, and community is coming to life with the announcement of Lion Legacy Park — a fully inclusive playground designed for children of all abilities. This initiative, launching under the Lion Legacy Project, marks the beginning of a long-term vision to create more equitable play and recreation across Durant.
Led by founder and co-chair Shelley Dunnam and co-chair Lynn Smith, both proud members of the Durant Lions Club, the project is being spearheaded through the club’s mission of service and community leadership. This collaboration positions Durant as a pioneer in accessible recreation, launching the first inclusive public playground of its kind on this side of the Red River.
The park will be located at Lloyd Plyler Baseball Park on South Fifth Avenue.
With committee work beginning mid-June, Lion Legacy Park is backed by a growing coalition of partners including Durant Parks & Recreation Director Ryan Brewer, Brina Dutton from Owen Academy, and Krysten Brown with The Payton Project.
“This park was born from a very personal place,” Dunnam said, in a news release. “As the mother of a child with special needs, I’ve seen firsthand how isolating public spaces can be when they’re not built for everyone. We’re not just building a playground—we’re building a community that values every child’s right to be seen, to be included, and to belong.”
Lion Legacy Park will be a public, fully ADA-compliant, sensory-inclusive, and accessible space. Designed with families in mind, it will feature specialized equipment, safe surfacing, and gathering areas that promote play without limits.
“Durant is a city that leads with heart and this park is a perfect reflection of that,” Brewer said. “We’re excited to collaborate on a project that ensures all kids, regardless of their abilities, have a place to safely play and thrive together.”
At the official announcement, Dunnam invited local leaders to reflect with a single question: “How many of you have a child or know a child whose daily life is impacted by special needs?”
Dunnam said hands then filled the room.
Why It Matters:
1 in 6 children in the U.S. lives with a developmental disability Bryan County serves over 1,000 students through special education programs Durant currently has no fully inclusive public playground Lion Legacy Park is more than just a park—it’s a symbol of unity, compassion, and long-overdue progress. It will serve as a regional model for inclusive recreation and community-driven change.
How to Help:
Matching grants are in place to double all donations toward park equipment and construction. Volunteers, sponsors, and community partners are encouraged to get involved.
To support the project or join the planning committee, contact: Shelley Dunnam | Marketingshelley08@ gmail.com | 806-260-1099.
Lynn Smith | Nortex Heating & Refrigeration | +1 (903) 814-0538.
“Together, we are creating something bigger than any one of us — an enduring legacy of inclusion that will echo for generations,” Dunnam said.