INDEPENDENCE, Mo. – Climbing, sliding and running at McCoy Park in Independence are the favorite pastimes of Thomas and sister Rebekkah.  While Thomas undoubtedly has a blast, the three-year-old gets tired easily.

“Some of the equipment is built for children who can go easily up steps and he has a hard time,” said Sarah Smith, the kids’ mom.  “So, for example at this park, he has a hard time getting to the slide because it’s not built for him and his short legs.”

Downs’ syndrome has made playing at the playground difficult for Thomas.  That’s why his mom Sarah is hoping the metro will help Independence win $25,000 to fund a Play with No Boundaries Playground meant for kids with disabilities.

A weak front is going to move into the region this evening, and while in many May’s this front would have adequate moisture to work with, and with an uncapped atmosphere would be enough to fire some t/storms, that may not be the case today because the surface moisture is going to be paltry at best with dewpoints in the 50°. The front itself is VERY weak, and will only drop out highs tomorrow a few degrees. Here is the surface map from early this AM

As the front moves through this evening, odds favor it to come through dry.

Your kids will soon be jumping in the lake and swimming in the pool non-stop. But before all the fun starts, remind yourself of water safety.  Elizabeth Gibson, from the Aquatics Department at Life Time Fitness, gave us tips on how to keep your kids and your entire family safe in the water.