Now both of those projects, children with special needs and Hutcheson’s work through Helping People Succeed, have come together in building a Barrier Free Playground within the popular park off Colorado Avenue. Kiwanis members and the City of Stuart, owner of the park land, joined forces to raise more than $200,000 to add new playground equipment for children with disabilities.

Due to Hutcheson’s dedication to the park project and other Kiwanis programs, the Kiwanis Florida District named her Florida Kiwanis Outstanding Club President of the Year. A Kiwanis Club member for 10 years, Hutcheson has served as President-Elect and in several board positions.

“I look forward to spending my Tuesdays with an incredible group of people working together to make the community a better place for our children,” said Hutcheson regarding the many members in the Kiwanis Club of Stuart that meets monthly at The Quality Inn Community Room on U.S. 1 in Stuart.

Built in the late 1980s, Kiwanis Park at Woodlawn was designed as a safe location for children and their families to enjoy an afternoon of play or even plan a party at the location off Colorado Avenue. The site, before it was purchased by the City of Stuart, was the location of the American Red Cross offices.

Kiwanis Lt. Governor and Past President Keith Muniz nominated Hutcheson. “President Suzy had an outstanding year with quite a few major accomplishments despite the challenges she faced in her official position at Helping People Succeed,” said Muniz. “She remained focused on her club’s vision and led her Kiwanis Club of Stuart through some hefty goals and objectives.”

Besides funding for the park expansion from the City of Stuart and the Kiwanis Club of Stuart, Hutcheson raised $25,000 through several grants and received other funds from the United Way of Martin County Foundation to support the Kiwanis chapter and the Barrier Free Playground.

The park, part of Stuart’s Parks and Recreation Department, is open daily from dawn to dusk. The site is also used as a parking area for visitors to downtown Stuart for shopping and community programs. Check out the Kiwanis Club of Stuart website at www.kiwanisclubofstuart.org.