Autism-friendly playground coming
ZELIENOPLE — Glade Run Lutheran Services, 70 W. Beaver St., is taking the first step toward its campus transformation initiative by building a new autism-friendly playground.
“We're undergoing the largest transformation in our history,” said Sheila Talarico, Glade Run executive director.
The overall cost for the playground is nearly $750,000.
Glade Run grant writer Angelica Perry said the money comes from several sources, including grants from private foundations, crowdfunding campaigns and local loans.
The 1.2-acre playground, designed by Oregon-based architectural firm Rowell Brokaw, will be built in place of Knoch Cottage and the basketball courts by the administration building and the classrooms.
“There's been a need especially in our region for a play space specifically designed to meet the sensory needs of individuals who have an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis,” Perry said.
The sensory playground will be designed to help children with ASD in a variety of ways.
To encourage a more calming atmosphere, the park will have natural settings. Glade Run will have new landscaping installed, which will include trees, grass and shrubbery. Even the playground's oval-shaped design will promote a comfortable atmosphere.
“We wanted places where children could be in touch with nature and get away from noise,” Perry said. “It blends in with the natural surroundings.”
To further accommodate the sensory needs for children with ASD, certain colors and color patterns will be chosen for design and different play areas will be designated by different auditory levels for those with hearing sensitivities.
The park will be fenced in and will have only one or two entrances for security purposes.
There also will be activities that encourage social development with equipment requiring more than one child to operate them. Play also would help children more with motor skills, balance, coordination and movement.
Slides will be installed toward the area's natural slope.
Although the playground is focused on being ASD-friendly, it will be open to the public. Restrooms, shelters and picnic tables will be on hand for children and families.
Perry said the idea for the playground began two years ago as an interactive children's sensory museum. However, that soon transitioned into a sensory park.
“We wanted something that was more accessible to the public and could be enjoyed by the entire community for free,” Perry said.
The next two steps for the campus transformation include constructing Jeremiah Village for people with ASD to live in and a new gymnasium and classrooms for St. Stephens School.
Dirt is expected to be moved next week at the site where Jeremiah Village will be built. That part of the project is expected to be complete by summer 2017.
Construction of the playground is set to begin in October and be completed by December or January.
