HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. — The Lake Joy Trails of Terror, a Halloween attraction known for its haunted trails, is trading in its usual fright-fest for a festive fundraiser aimed at creating an inclusive playground for children with special needs.
The attraction will host a Christmas-themed event on Saturday, Dec. 7 and Sunday, Dec. 8, transforming its typically terrifying grounds into a winter wonderland designed to raise money for a disability playground at Lake Joy Elementary and Primary Schools.
"We want to give back to our community," Robyn Kelly, owner of the Lake Joy Trails of Terror, said. "We want to do something fun for the community and give back to those in our community."
The event will feature more than 20 local vendors, with each promising to donate a percentage of their sales to the playground project. Visitors can expect a variety of activities, including Santa Claus meet-and-greets, s'mores, Christmas lights, cookie decorating and story time with elves.
The event will be free to enter, with proceeds from ticket purchases for activities like s'mores and Santa photos going directly to the playground fund. Vendor booth rentals will also contribute to the fundraising effort.
The Lake Joy Trails of Terror will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Dec. 7, and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Dec. 8.
For more information about the event, you are encouraged to contact the Lake Joy Trails of Terror or visit their website.
For Chris Payne, a local parent of a child with special needs, the initiative represents a significant opportunity for inclusive play.
"It's such a great cause to provide an inclusive environment for children with special needs on an adapted playground," Payne said.
The project has garnered support from the school's Partners Club, a student group that supports children with special needs. Jackson Lopez, a Partners Club member, emphasized the importance of the playground.
"I do think that there's a need," Lopez said. "Some kids can't do all the fun playground stuff like on normal playgrounds, so they need their own space."
This isn't the first time the attraction has demonstrated community commitment. Earlier this year, they raised money for a Houston County girl battling cancer, showing their dedication to supporting local causes.
Brianna Sanders, the daughter of a teacher at the school, was impressed by the organization's philanthropic efforts.
"I came here a few years ago and just thought it was a haunted trail," Sanders said. "I didn't know they put their hearts into giving to people and being so amazing. It's eye-opening to see something so scary be so sweet."
The playground project aims to create a safe and inclusive play space for children with disabilities. The adapted playground will feature specialized equipment designed to accommodate various needs, allowing children to play more freely and safely.
Khalila Johnson, another Partners Club member, expressed hope for the project's impact.
"I really hope they'll remember me in the future and that they grow up to be wonderful men and women," she said.