SAN ANTONIO — On Saturday, Mitchell's Landing, the Mitchell Chang Foundation's largest project opened to the public in Stone Oak.
"I mean I wish I had my son instead of a playground but I can't change that," said April Chang. "There are things we can change and things we can’t.”
In 2018, April and Marvin Chang’s son, Mitchell drowned at a San Antonio swimming school. The couple decided to start a foundation in his honor.
"Everyone thinks their son was fun, nice and sweet," Chang said. "Mitchell really was. He actually was. His pre-K teacher said he had a servant's heart. He was so kind and sweet."
The destination playground is at 20202 Hardy Oak Parkway within Classen-Steubing Ranch Park. The park has 164 parking spots, walking trails, a pavilion, restrooms, picnic areas, baseball fields and open-play fields.
"Mitchell was all about fun, happiness and he was just a joy," Chang said. "And we wanted to give his joy, love, happiness to all families. And that was the best way we knew how, actually. That's also why we want to make inclusive and so everyone can experience it. We want kids to enjoy life on this playground because it needs to be used. It needs to be loved.”
Since Mitchell Chang's death, the family has been pushing for legislation to prevent tragedy's like the one their family faced. Chang said they're also planning on releasing a coloring book about swim safety.
"We don't want anyone else to feel our pain. And so we're hoping to provide knowledge to help families avoid where we're at," Chang said. "Because Mitchell ultimately drowned because he didn't know how to swim."
