Where Every Child Feels Safe

Avie’s Place: A Legacy of Love and Inclusivity…

When 7-year-old Avalynn Wallace passed away from acute myeloid leukemia in October 2019, her parents, Nicole and Louie Wallace, were devastated but determined to honor her legacy. To celebrate Avalynn’s memory and bring joy to medically fragile and disabled children, they created Avie’s Place, a two-acre park and playground in Oroville designed to be fully accessible for children of all abilities.

For Nicole and Louie, this vision was deeply personal. Avalynn was diagnosed with leukemia at 4, and the family experienced the challenges of finding accessible outdoor spaces while she was undergoing treatment. “We visited parks that claimed to be ADA-compliant,” Nicole says, “but the accessible equipment was disappointing.” Determined to provide an inclusive space for all children, they founded Avie’s Place Foundation, aiming to give back to the community that had supported them during Avalynn’s illness.

Avalynn’s courage and vibrant spirit continue to inspire her family. “She was spunky and lit up a room. She was incredibly brave, wise beyond her years, and knew her treatments inside and out,” says Nicole. Avalynn, a middle child with two sisters, Briella, now 14, and Emberlee, now 10, loved to take charge and often engaged with doctors about her care. “She would challenge doctors, knew the medicines and wanted to understand everything about her condition,” Nicole recalls. “It was an honor to be her mom.”

The idea for an inclusive playground took shape during Avalynn’s treatment at Stanford University in Palo Alto, where the Wallaces often found themselves searching for accessible places to play. “Avalynn hated feeling like a baby in her wheelchair,” Nicole says. “She wanted to enjoy the playgrounds like any other child, but nothing truly allowed her that freedom.” Inspired by these challenges, the Wallaces envisioned a universally accessible play space, sparking what would become a $4 million community-driven project in Oroville.

Working with designers, the Wallaces ensured Avie’s Place would offer more than ramps and basic ADA equipment; it would include features accessible to children in wheelchairs and other medically fragile conditions. The park will include Liberty Swings, which allow children in wheelchairs to enjoy swings without needing to leave their chairs. It will also feature accessible merry-go-rounds, sensory-friendly musical installations, a splash pad and a stream with bridges, creating an interactive, fun-filled space for children of all abilities.

Beyond the playground, the park will include an amphitheater, shaded areas for rest, picnic spaces and cabins near a small lake where families can enjoy overnight stays. “Every child and family deserves to play without barriers,” Nicole says. “We want this park to be a universal playground.”

The land for Avie’s Place was donated and is located at 3656 Oro Bangor Highway, behind The Father’s House Church, where Nicole and Louie serve on the pastoral staff. The project is in its early stages, with the land purchased and initial permits submitted to the county.

To fund the park’s development, Avie’s Place Foundation relies on grants, donations and local partnerships. Nicole has spearheaded efforts to raise awareness and funds through events like the Avie’s Place Color Run that took place in September. The Wallaces have raised $300,000 so far, thanks to monthly donors and a generous $50,000 donation from Home Depot.

Nicole also channels Avalynn’s story through a children’s book she wrote, “The Courageous Chronicles of Avie Bravelee: The Powerful Necklace.” Avalynn’s journey inspired this story of resilience and hope, aimed at comforting and encouraging other children facing serious health challenges. “Avie Bravelee’s character is based on Avalynn’s real-life courage,” reads an excerpt from Amazon, where the book is available.

As the Wallaces continue working toward their goal, they are grateful for the support they’ve received from the community. “Butte County gave us amazing support during our darkest days,” Nicole says. “Now, we want to give back, creating a space where every child feels safe, joyful and included.” •

Avie’s Place • www.aviesplace.org 
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Jennie Blevins hails from Monterey. She is a full-time reporter at the Chico Enterprise-Record newspaper in Chico and a freelance writer for Enjoy magazine. Blevins graduated from Chico State University with a degree in print journalism and has a master’s degree in magazine writing from New York University. She lives with her husband, Donald, and their adorable dog, Tulla.