ZELIENOPLE — The autism-friendly sensory park and playground planned for Glade Run Lutheran Services has been pushed back to spring, officials said.

The park, which will cater to the needs of residents with autism disorders, was planned to be complete by December or January, officials said previously.

“The equipment for the park had been ordered and is in storage at Glade Run,” executive director Sheila Talarico said. “We look forward to our grand opening in the spring.”

She said construction delays and weather were factors in pushing back the completion time.

“Unfortunately, delays are common in projects like ours,” Talarico said.

A new entrance to Glade Run has been created off Route 68 near the campus’ outdoor riding arena with a roundabout leading to the park. Talarico said this will eventually become the only entrance to the agency. The stone pillar main entrance will become a pedestrian walkway leading to Jeremiah Village.

A residential cottage on the future park’s site is set for dismantling this winter.

The new cottage replacing it close to the site took longer than expected to build, delaying dismantling of the old building and the construction of the park.

Glade Run is a residential treatment facility that houses about 100 youths between the ages of 8 and 21.

The $750,000 park will occupy about 1.2 acres and will feature landscaping, trees, shrubbery and activities for children to develop social and motor skills among others. Certain color patterns and designated play areas will be created for those with sensory sensitivities.

The playground will be open to the public and have restrooms, shelters and picnic tables.

Talarico said the park is the first of its kind in Pennsylvania.

“Because the playground will be available for the community’s use as well as for Glade Run’s clients and students, families with a child with autism in the community will have a venue that is safe, accepting and appropriate for these families,” Talarico said.

The playground is the first step of Glade Run’s campus transformation project.

The next two steps are constructing Jeremiah Village for people with autism disorders to live in and building a new gymnasium and classrooms for St. Stephens School.

Jeremiah Village is planned for a 2017 completion.

“The playground will be an asset to the organization and those we serve, and we hope that its unique design and purpose will be duplicated around the nation,” Talarico said.

“While our campus school does have a playground, this project will add additional and appropriate play space for our youth.”