A $10,000 donation from the Bakersfield Breakfast Lions Club brought the Claude W. Richardson Child Development Centers Dream Playground for children with disabilities a step closer. The check was presented May 29 in an area where part of the playground will be built to Richardson Center principal Brian Cortez by Jason Gandola, representing the Bakersfield Breakfast Lions Club. “The Breakfast Lions contribution, coupled with other donations, brings the $75,000 project closer to reality,” said parent advisory committee member Marci Wattenbarger, who has contacted individuals, clubs, and, with Richardson Center staff, organized the annual school carnival to help fund the project. Principal Cortez said the new playground equipment is designed especially for students with special needs. When completed, the Dream Playground will permit teachers to take what they teach in the classroom outside. This includes helping students develop social and language skills. “All the equipment is at ground level so any child regardless of their abilities can participate,” said Cortez. More