For a child, few things generate the sense of excitement that a swing can.

Climbing into a swing and zooming back and forth can give a child the feeling that they’re soaring to the sky like an astronaut or a superhero.

But often only able-bodied children can enjoy that sensation. Any kind of disability generally keeps a youngster grounded and off of the swing set.

Some new features on the Cooper Elementary School playground now give students who use wheelchairs or have some other kind of disability the possibility of soaring like their classmates.

With the help of a $2,000 donation from the Fort Dodge Correctional Facility, the Cooper Booster Club has obtained two accessible swings. One of them is called a Jennswing. The bright red swing looks more like a recliner than a traditional swing, but it’s suspended above the ground by chains just like any other swing.

Next to the Jennswing is a platform swing designed to accomodate a wheelchair. The child in their wheelchair gets on board and soon they’re swinging back and forth.

The new swings were installed in October. They were the result of a year’s worth of work and planning, according to Kelly Hinds, the president of the Cooper Booster Club.

”Playground equipment is often limited to those who are mobile,” Hinds said ”We wanted all kids to be able to enjoy the excitement of recess.”

The surprise donation from the prison made the purchase possible.

We wish all playgrounds had swings that kids with disabilities can use.

We commend the Cooper Booster Club for getting these swings. The club members’ consideration for children with disabilities is commendable.

We also thank the Fort Dodge Correctional Facility for the donation that ultimately made the accessible swings a reality.