From Vision to Reality: FELI Class of 2026 Creates an Inclusive Playground at Autism Inspired Academy

When a community comes together with a shared purpose, incredible things happen.

Earlier this year, Lindsey joined us on the Strength Happens Podcast to share an ambitious dream: the FELI Class of 2026 had selected a community project to raise funds for an inclusive playground at Autism Inspired Academy (AIA) in Clearwater, Florida. Their goal was simple but powerful: to create a space where every student could play, grow, and belong.

Today, we're thrilled to celebrate that dream becoming a reality.

Through months of fundraising, planning, and unwavering commitment, the FELI Class of 2026 raised more than $60,000 to build a brand-new inclusive playground designed specifically for the middle and high school students at Autism Inspired Academy.

When Lindsey recently returned to the Strength Happens Podcast, she shared the remarkable journey from concept to completion and how quickly everything came together.

One of the biggest surprises came early in the process. Playground equipment that was expected to take 16 weeks to arrive was delivered in less than a month. What initially felt like a long wait quickly became a whirlwind of excitement as construction preparations moved ahead much faster than anyone anticipated.

By the end of May, the project had reached another exciting milestone with a groundbreaking ceremony. Throughout the summer, students attending camp at Autism Inspired Academy had a front-row seat to watch their new playground take shape. Day after day, they witnessed construction crews transform an empty space into a place built just for them. It became more than a construction project—it became a daily lesson in hope, anticipation, and what can happen when a community believes in its children.

Then came one of the most memorable moments of all. On June 26, under beautiful Florida skies, families, educators, community members, and many of the FELI Class of 2026 gathered for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony. The honor of cutting the ribbon belonged to Lindsey and her daughter, Olivia.

For Olivia, who attends Autism Inspired Academy and will begin middle school this fall, the moment was especially meaningful. Together, mother and daughter cut the ribbon before becoming the very first to enjoy the new playground sharing the first swings on equipment that will bring joy to students for years to come.

It was a moment that perfectly reflected what this project was always about. Not just building a playground. Building opportunities. Building inclusion. Building belonging.

As middle school and high school students return to Autism Inspired Academy this August, they will be welcomed by a playground designed with them in mind: a place to socialize, build friendships, develop motor skills, enjoy movement, and simply experience the joy of play.

The impact of this project extends far beyond the playground itself. It stands as a testament to what dedicated community leaders can accomplish when they invest in children and families. The FELI Class of 2026 didn't simply raise funds; they created a lasting legacy that will serve countless students for years to come.

Donate FELI 2026 Project

The FELI Class of 2026 is not done yet! They are continuing to raise funds for this playground and the AIA school. Additional donations will go towards a sunshade to cover the school's playgrounds and purchase a larger playground apparatus that was beyond the scope of this project. If you are interested in contributing to this project, please click on the QR code and donation will go directly to this growing project.

At the Halle Grace Foundation and Strength Happens Podcast, we love sharing stories like this because they remind us that advocacy comes in many forms. Sometimes it's raising awareness. Sometimes it's sharing lived experiences. And sometimes, it's rolling up your sleeves, raising over $60,000, and creating a space where every child feels included.

Congratulations to Lindsey, the entire FELI Class of 2026, Autism Inspired Academy, and every volunteer, donor, and supporter who helped bring this incredible vision to life.

Because when communities choose inclusion, strength happens. For the full update on the AIA inclusive playground update, listen to Strength Happens.