O'Fallon's All-Inclusive Play Area is Christened 'Brendan's Playground' at Groundbreaking

O’Fallon Mayor Bill Hennessy surprised Michael, Michelle and Brendan Schmitt Saturday when he announced that O’Fallon’s all-inclusive playground would be named after Brendan, who is 9.

Hennessy made the announcement Saturday during a groundbreaking ceremony for the playground in at Paul A. Westhoff Park.

The playground is set up to allow children with different types of disabilities to slide, climb and play interactively on the equipment.

Brendan, a student at Westhoff Elementary School, suffers from a rare genetic DNA-repair disease called Rothmund Thomson Syndrome. With this disease, Brendan is missing certain bones and thumbs and suffers from blotchy skin, thinning hair and a short stature.

Hennessy credited Brendan with being one of the inspirations for the park. Brendan’s aunt, Victoria Schmitt Babb, works with Unlimited Play, O’Fallon’s partner in developing the playground. She also has helped raise funds for the park.

“Ever since I first met Brendan, he's really become the face of this playground for me," said Hennessy, according to a news release.

"I can't wait until this fall when Brendan can lead the charge of children out to the playground. In our society, we see so many examples of kids being pushed to grow up too soon,” he said in the release. “I want this playground to be a place where all children can come together, have fun and celebrate just being kids."

Saturday’s event featured games, shows and more to celebrate the groundbreaking for the playground.

"This unique playground will be a community asset for kids and their families, so we are marking this occasion with games, family shows, face painting, child ID kits, a contest, the Great Bug Hunt, and prizes," said Cindy Springer, director of Parks and Recreation.

Natalie Blakemore, founder of Zachary's Playground in Lake Saint Louis, also spoke at the ceremony. Her son, Zachary also attended the event.