SAN ANTONIO — A San Antonio family took tragedy and turned it into hope for families across the area.
In 2018, April and Marvin Chang’s son, Mitchell, drowned at a San Antonio swimming school. The couple quickly decided to start a foundation in his honor.
On Sunday, its biggest project was unveiled for the first time. It is an inclusive playground in the heart of Stone Oak, called Mitchell’s Landing.
Sunday afternoon, the Chang family welcomed friends and family for a sneak peek. April Chang said she was overwhelmed with emotions.
"It's like it's working, kids are playing,” April said.
Since the year she lost her son, she has been working on making this playground in Classen- Steubing Ranch Park a reality.
"Within three or four months we had actually already had our first meeting with the park department,” April said. “We knew what we wanted to do."
April said initially the park was about remembering and honoring her son Mitchell who loved playing and pirates.
"At first it was really hard because I was really angry that I had a playground, not a son,” April said.
But as she advocated for an inclusive playground, she quickly learned how many families could be impacted by this playground. The park then became about them.
"17% of the San Antonio population in children are disabled so there is a huge need,” April said.
She said it would not be possible without the thousands of dollars raised throughout the community and for partnerships with companies like H-E-B.
On Sunday, kids like 7-year-old Asher who has dwarfism, got to explore and just have fun. His mother said her son has to sit out during recess at school because that playground is not inclusive.
“It’s about the children and families in this community that don’t have a place to play,” April said.
While the project was born out of heartbreak, April said it has become a symbol of community.
"It's not necessarily quite our reward but all of theirs,” April said.
Mitchell’s Landing officially opens to the public on Saturday, November 30 at 10 a.m.