If you drive by KidsPeace’s campus on Broadway in Fountain Hill, PA, you may not realize that there is a playground tucked away among the buildings. But for the more than 150 children who utilize the playground annually through the campus’ various services, it is a favorite spot to play. Over the past three years the playground has begun its transformation from a simple, semi-outdated play space to a safer, more sensory-friendly playground that is inclusive of all ages and abilities.
The playground is most frequently utilized by the Autism Services provided on the campus that serve over 75 children ages 2 to 21 through community-based, after school, and summer programs. The cognitive and physical abilities of the children who utilize this space vary greatly. Though a majority of the children are early elementary age or younger, there are also those who are chronologically teenagers, but by the nature of their diagnosis have cognitive abilities and interests that are closer to those of their younger peers. One goal of the playground transformation is to provide all of the children a play space that provides them the opportunity to learn more about themselves, gain self-esteem, and allow them to feel safe and included, regardless of their age or abilities.
A playground that is rich in sensory stimulation is a vital component to a child’s development, especially when a child exhibits developmental delays. Sensory play activities allow the opportunity for a child to develop a better understanding of their world and themselves, based on what they see, touch, hear, smell, and taste. The more engaged they are, the better understanding they will have of their environment and their own relationship to the world around them. A playground built with sensory input in mind is such a simple way to help children work on their physical, sensory, and developmental needs because it is intrinsically fun and motivating to them without the clinical feel of a therapeutic setting. A slide provides the child with the feeling of movement and deep pressure, while climbers provide the opportunity to overcome obstacles, develop problem-solving skills, and build self-esteem. A swing stimulates the vestibular system in the brain and helps us learn how to balance and position our bodies. It gives us feedback about where our bodies are in space and can contribute to the development of self-control and self-calming skills. Playground equipment like sensory spinners (a safer and more inclusive version of a merry-go-round with high back seating) allows children to feel movement and balance, as well as provides them with opportunities for cooperative play and social engagement with their peers.
A Provident Bank Foundation grant for $5,000 and a $1,000 grant from the Leona Gruber Trust have helped support safety modifications to the playground – including the removal of old and/or damaged equipment and a new layer of mulch. This grant has also funded the purchase and installation of new platform swings, which are easier to use for children with low muscle tone or difficulty with balance.
With continued support, the KidsPeace playground will grow to include sensory stations for sound and touch, a sensory spinner, and open slides that allow staff to keep the children in view while enjoying the playground.
Kids need places to play, even more so for those on the autism spectrum. Even though it’s not the most prominent feature of the campus for people passing by, the new playground is an important component of our efforts to help these kids discover and unlock their potential.
-Alexis Harvey, KidsPeace Autism Services
