If enough Virgin Islanders come out and show their support this Friday, St. Croix will get a state-of-the art playground fully accessible to special-needs children, fulfilling the last big project of the late Bernadette "Bonnie" Messer.

A longtime Rotarian, Messer worked tirelessly to help others in the community for many years, carrying through projects to help the homeless, women and children through Bethlehem House, and volunteering with Little League baseball for more than 30 years.
"She was one of those people who did everything and never took any credit," said fellow Rotarian Liz Goggins.

Messer saw a need for a playground with facilities and recreational equipment accessible to special-needs children. She spearheaded the work, researching the sorts of equipment available, their prices and where to get them.

"One of the things we found, Bonnie thought was the best thing in the world; a swing for children in wheelchairs," Goggins said. "You can roll up to the platform and lock the wheelchair in, just like that. So it’s really cool for kids who might never be able to do that and enjoy that simple pastime otherwise."

At first the project was little more than a dream and a long list of questions: from how to begin raising money to how to find land to buy or lease. But, Goggins said, before Messer got sick she talked to Housing Parks and Recreation Commissioner St. Claire Williams, an old friend of hers, who said they could expand the playground at Canegata Sports Complex.

"When it is done, it will be an inclusive playground, where all the kids will be able to play together," Goggins said.

This Friday Rotary Club of St. Croix will hold an Oldies Dance Party to raise funds for "Bonnie’s Playground."

"Anybody who knew Bonnie knew she loved to dance, especially to the oldies, so this is really appropriate. It’s something she’d have liked. And it will be a lot of fun." Goggins said.

They need $45,000 to get the playground done—nearly $30,000 of which is for special, safe surfacing to ensure kids don’t get hurt, she said.

"If we get more than that, the money won’t go to waste; we’ll buy more equipment," she said. This is the first fund-raiser for the playground, but Rotary will keep holding more until it meets the goal. At the upcoming Thanksgiving Jump Up in Christiansted, Rotary of St. Croix will be raising money by selling Christmas cards with pictures of the equipment. Those interested can make a tax-deductible donation in someone’s name and send them the card.

The dance, sponsored by Food Town and Vargrave Richards, is set for 9 p.m. Friday at Gertrude’s Restaurant on Hess Road. Tickets are $10 in advance (or $15 at the door) and can be bought from Rotary members or from Gertrude’s Restaurant.

All are invited to attend. If you are on Facebook, there is also a "Bonnie’s Playground" fan page you can join, with information on how to contribute. See related links below.