She Lost Her Daughter — Now Her Legacy Is Bringing Joy To Hundreds Of Kids

November 19, 2025

A Colorado mom has turned a heartbreak into a joyful gathering place for every kid in her community — and the results are bringing smiles (and sometimes happy tears) to families across Sterling Ranch.

The inclusive playground / Credit: CBS News

According to CBS News, Jeanette Reynolds spent years dreaming of a fully inclusive playground in honor of her daughter, Madison, who lived with a rare genetic condition called lissencephaly. The condition caused significant developmental challenges, making it difficult to find parks that were truly accessible. But whenever Madison did find a place she could enjoy, her mom says she lit up instantly.

“She was severely disabled… but when we found a wheelchair-accessible park, you could just see it on her face,” Reynolds shared.

Madison passed away in 2018 at the age of 24, but her joy has become the spark for something bigger. Reynolds launched a nonprofit called Miles 4 Madison, rallied support through fundraisers, and partnered with Sterling Ranch to make her dream a reality.

And now? That dream is standing tall — or rather, swinging, sliding, and bouncing — in the heart of the community.

The new inclusive park is completely wheelchair accessible and packed with thoughtful features designed with input from families of children with special needs. Think: a slide created for kids with cochlear implants, an in-ground trampoline, and cozy “quiet cocoon” spaces for anyone who needs a sensory break.

Local mom Shannon Starkey brings her son Asher often, saying his favorite spot is the swing. Her daughter Isla, who also had special needs, passed away years ago — and she says parks like this would have meant the world to her family back then.

Inclusive play is becoming a major priority in Sterling Ranch and across Douglas County. Resident and Parks Advisory Board member Lynn Moffett says the impact of this single park has already inspired a larger commitment.

“Seeing how many families use it — it was overwhelming,” Moffett said. “Now we’re committed to creating inclusive parks throughout the county.”

And the movement isn’t slowing down. Sterling Ranch plans to add an accessible pool and more amenities next year. The park has already seen $6.4 million in investment, with the full project expected to reach $14 million, including support from Douglas County.

These days, the park is buzzing with children and adults of all abilities. Reynolds often stops by in the evenings, watching hundreds of kids play together — something that still moves her deeply.

“It honestly makes me cry sometimes,” she said. “For me, it means everything to know that my daughter would have been included.”