Through play, children can

• Develop social skills such as cooperation, communication and empathy
• Grow cognitively through sensory-rich experiences, motor planning and imaginative play
• Build strength and gross motor skills in a fun and challenging way that makes therapy seem more like play than work

“The playground at Easterseals Crossroads is an important part of therapy because it allows our children to experience social, physical and cognitive experiences with their peers in an environment where they learn the most – the outdoors. Having an inclusive playground for all abilities and ages will instill further confidence and independence for the children we serve.

-Kaitlyn Diller , ABA Clinical Manager, Autism and Behavior Services, Easterseals Crossroads.

Current Challenges

We need an inclusive and accessible playground unlike any other to meet the needs of children with disabilities in central Indiana. Our future therapeutic outdoor space will invite children to grow socially, cognitively and physically through five zones tailored to create unique experiences.

Our current equipment and layout is limited to inadequate equipment. Many children with disabilities do not have access to the same experiences as those without physical disabilities. Our current equipment is geared to children ages 2-5 and limits our therapists’ abilities to provide an outdoor play experience for all ages.

Funding Needs

We need the following areas within the proposed playground to maximize the space and the environment for children.

The Go Zone will feature accessible and inclusive swings, a merry-go-round and ziplines.

The Community Zone will encourage children to focus on imaginative play in a mock fire station and house, along with the We-Saw for children and adults to work together in collaborative play.

The Discovery Zone will showcase climbing walls and a muli-tier structure that will create opportunities for motor planning, coordination and exploration.

The Music Zone will inspire musicians of all abilities to discover subtle shifts of tone, which is proven to build confidence while inspiring the senses.

The Sports Zone will feature an accessible basketball hoop and track. There will be a shed for accessible trikes, bikes and sports equipment to inspire teamwork as well as individual growth and coordination in an everyday athletic way.

You can sponsor a piece of playground equipment that meets the needs of the children in our community who have disabilities. Your gift – literally of play – will make the difference in the lives of children who lack that opportunity to enjoy a playground with the same enthusiasm of a typically developing child. The memories you help create will be those that can never be taken a way from a child.