TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – A new playground for the RISE Program, The University of Alabama’s nationally renowned early intervention program, will be named in honor of Johnny Stallings, son of former Alabama head football coach Gene Stallings, RISE Director Martha Cook announced during Nov. 19 ceremonies commemorating RISE’s 30th anniversary.

“We decided on the name because we feel like Johnny made such a huge impact on everyone’s life that has any association with Alabama and Alabama football,” said Cook.

Stallings’ son Johnny was born with Down syndrome in 1962. Having little or no early intervention services available when Johnny was born, Coach Stallings and his wife, Ruth Ann, appreciated the importance of the services provided by the RISE Program.

The Johnny Stallings Playground, to be completed in spring 2005, will feature the latest innovations for young children and for children with special needs, with one area dedicated to infants and toddlers and another area designed specifically for 3- to 5-year-olds.

RISE is located on campus in the Stallings Center, a premiere preschool facility named for the Stallings family. Cook says the facility would not be here if not for the Stallings family.

In 1992, RISE desperately needed funds for a new facility. At the same time, Stallings led the Crimson Tide to a national championship. Shortly afterward, thanks to the efforts of the Stallings family and friends, the RISE Program met its goal and the new facility was realized.

“Before they came, we literally lived one year to the next, budget-wise. Our funding was at risk. It was difficult, but we had many friends in the community who kept us afloat,” said Cook, who oversees the program, which is designed to increase development in children, ages six weeks to five years, with and without disabilities, and prepare them for kindergarten.

The Stallings Center, opened in 1994, now has six classrooms, serving 80 children with a staff of 34 individuals as well as a music therapist, consulting speech therapists, a physical therapist, an occupational therapist and adapted physical therapists.