One Small Change: A Community Ribbon Cutting Full of Heart
Rain clouds hovered over Spencer on the day of the ribbon cutting, but the weather couldn’t dampen the joy and pride that filled the air. Families, friends, and community members gathered to celebrate something far bigger than playground equipment—a vision of inclusion, kindness, and the power of one small change.
When Sophia ran for Lil’ Miss Spencerama, she was asked what she would change in her community. She didn’t hesitate at all and replied, “I would like to put one swing in every playground.”
Her quick response was born out of her love for her brother, Noelie, who lived to be 8 years old and changed the way their family—and ultimately their town—saw the world. Noelie’s disability meant that traditional playgrounds weren’t built for him, though he loved to swing. Sophia’s mom, Tracey Felix, stated at the ribbon-cutting, “The experience of our kids not being able to play with their older brother on the playground shaped part of who they were.” Filled with emotion, Tracey paused while speaking, leading Sally, Sophia’s grandmother, to stand up and join her.
With the support of her family, the Spencer Park and Rec Department, and generous donors, Sophia’s dream began to take shape. Her parents helped her research and write grants, and soon the project gained momentum, extending beyond multiple swings to include a zipline. The Marshfield Area Community Foundation is proud to offer support through a community grant.
This project is a reminder that big change often starts small. As Sophia’s mom said at the ribbon cutting, “When the world feels hopeless and angry, make one small change in your life, maybe it will have a little effect to change your world.”
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