ZELIENOPLE — Work on the new autism-friendly playground for Glade Run Lutheran Services will have to wait until one of its new campus facilities is licensed, officials said.

Executive director Sheila Talarico said the facility, named Isaiah, needs to have its license approved by the state Department of Human Services before work can begin on the playground.

“All new buildings used for residential programming must be inspected and licensed to ensure that they comply with the 3,800 regulations,” Talarico said.

“Children are living in another building, Knoch cottage, and cannot move into Isaiah until it is licensed,” she continued. “Knoch cottage stands on the site of the sensory park.”

“It could be any day,” Talarico said about the licensing.

The 1.2-acre playground will be designed to encourage a more calming atmosphere with natural settings.

Glade Run will have landscaping installed, which will include trees, grass and shrubbery. Even the playground’s oval-shaped design will promote a comfortable atmosphere.

Certain colors and patterns will be chosen and play areas will be designated by different auditory levels for those with hearing sensitivities.

The park will be fenced with only one or two entrances for security purposes.

Activities that encourage social development, motor skills, balance, coordination and movement will be available.

Although the playground is focused on being autism-friendly, it will be open to the public. Restrooms, shelters and picnic tables will be available.

The playground is Glade Run’s first part of its 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.