Woodbury's new sensory park opens with playground to accommodate kids with special needs

HIGHLAND MILLS – Surrounded by a valley and a reservoir, a new sensory park within the Earl Reservoir Park is considered as more than a playground. 

For many Woodbury families, it is like a dream becoming reality. The park features wheelchair accessible equipment, expression swing seats and musical instruments.  

“It’s a wonderful place to go,” said Susan Barrett, who facilitated a survey and collected ideas from parents with special needs children before the construction of the park. “Some of the standard parks are not safe for special needs children because they need lower and wider space.”

While the park is recommended for kids ages 2-12, she said even her 17-year-old son could benefit from playing with the musical instrument. She noted it is also a great place to network with other parents.

Vaccinated young kids: It didn't hurt that much

Newburgh shooting: injures for teens and closes Newburgh Free Academy

New police chief: Montgomery appoints veteran town officer John Hank

Town of Woodbury council member Jacqueline Hernandez said the launch of the all-inclusive sensory park is in response to an uptick request from families. Since there was no local park that accommodated special needs children, she said, many families used parks in neighboring towns.

“If a child plays differently, we should be compassionate about it. If a child communicates differently or has to do things in a different way, the community should be more accepting and embracing these families,” said Hernandez. “It would be really nice to have a space where families can connect with other families in a space that includes all children.” 

Hernandez said the cost is about $165,000, of which the flooring cost the most since it needed to be strong enough for wheelchairs. While the park is open to residents only, Hernandez said she hopes it would inspire other municipalities to look at the needs in their communities and begin engaging families to embrace diversity. 

It took about three years to raise funds for a similar park in Warwick when a group of parents created a non-profit group Warwick Playground Dreams in 2016. The playground includes over 20 accessible elements for children of all abilities. The construction started in April 2019 and 985 volunteers built it in only seven days, according to village of Warwick website.  

Berny Vega, Monroe-Woodbury Parent Teacher Association president who proposed the idea of building a local all-inclusive park, said they are happy that the community voice is heard and the needs have been met. 

“Sometimes we just need to think a little bit outside of the norm to ensure everybody is included,” said Vega.