Sebastian’s Playgrounds: Accessible playground coming to Solon inspired by local boy’s wish

SOLON , Ohio (WJW) — Plans for a specially designed playground for children of all abilities, inspired by a little boy’s brave battle with a deadly genetic disorder, are now becoming a reality.

Sebastian Botirius was born in 2017 with a rare genetic disorder called LRBA deficiency, which had a devastating impact on his immune system. Sebastian’s parents said even though he faced unimaginable suffering, he always greeted them and his older brother with a smile.

Sebastian died in April 2022. He was 4 years old and his grief-stricken parents searched for a way to create a lasting tribute to their son.

His father, Kip Botirius, told FOX 8 News, “when Sebastian was in the hospital, one of the things he said all the time was that what he wanted to do when he got out was to go to a playground. He wanted to go to a playground to play with all of his friends.”

Those memories of Sebastian inspired his parents to start a fundraising campaign, to create a playground at Solon Community Park that would accommodate all children, no matter what challenges they might face.

“Sebastian was very much just a kind soul that wanted everyone to be included and we want it to be for everyone. We wanted it to be some place that was fun, that parents and grandparents and everyone else can come.”

Two-and-a-half years ago, Sebastian’s Playground was just an idea on a drawing board, but now it is becoming a reality. The components of the playground are being delivered to the park, as part of a partnership between the city of Solon, the state of Ohio and a charity created by his parents, Sebastian’s Playgrounds .

“God, it’s a bit overwhelming it’s happening and, you know, kudos to Solon and Solon City Council and the mayor for bringing this to life, but it’s almost surreal, you know? It just feels like yesterday that we lost him,” said Kip.

The private funding of the project came from Northeast Ohioans, including FOX 8 viewers, whose hearts were touched by Sebastian’s story. So far, more than 14,000 people have donated to the playground campaign.

“That’s what Sebastian would want, you know? He would want to bring people together, to build something that is super-special and everyone can come and look at this and say, ‘I had a part in that. I was a part of bringing Sebastian’s legacy to the rest of the world,’” said Kip.

Sebastian’s family hopes to continue raising funds so that they can eventually build the unique playgrounds across Ohio and the country. Sebastian’s parents said they feel their son’s presence as they take the next step in creating the playground that will bring joy to children for generations to come.

Kip’s voice quaked with emotion as he told us, “We obviously do this because he’s somewhere looking at us, saying ‘good job mommy, good job daddy.'”

They are hoping to complete construction of the first Sebastian’s Playground by late October. Meanwhile, the charity that bears Sebastian’s name will be holding a golf outing and fundraiser at Barrington Golf Club in Aurora on Oct. 19.

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