Issue link: http://hvparent.uberflip.com/i/484999
hvparent.com ■ Hudson Valley Parent 29 Alix Cutrone of Ulster Park says her son, Oliver, 5, is thrilled at the new additions to the Kingston campus. "Oliver has low muscle tone and has had a lot of diffi culty with walking and various activities due to his lack of core strength and all over tone," she says. "I love the new play- ground and I'm sure Oliver is loving it, too! Since it was built, he has learned how to climb the rock wall, which is amazing for his core. He is also crazy about slides and swings and it's nice that he has new, more accessible ones to use now. Plus, the playground is very welcoming and aesthetically pleasing." Seeking donations So, how can we, as a community, help support this local organization? The current budget for the Playground Project is currently $140,000, and they have not yet reached their goal. "We are seeking donations [of any amount] all the way up to the build itself, scheduled for early April. Any funding we raise above our goal will be used to support the programs and services for our autistic students," says Juhren. He also gave some additional ideas for community members, both individuals and businesses, to help including volunteering individually or in a group, supplying material donations from local companies, supplying food and beverage do- nations for our volunteers the day of the build, and helping to get the word out. Visit centerforspectrumservices.org to volunteer and get more informa- tion on the project. Jacqueline Bair is a freelance writer living in Tillson. She is mom to two girls with special needs. The new playgrounds have been designed to promote more teamwork and cooperative play, utilizing structures such as see-saws that need multiple children to function. April is Autism Awareness Month 14th Annual Autism Walk & Expo of the Hudson Valley Sunday, April 26 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dutchess County Fairgrounds Join the Center for Spectrum Services for the Autism Walk and Expo, sponsored by the Autism Society Hudson Valley, to help benefi t those living on the autism spectrum. The walk takes place around the fair- ground's track. There'll be food, live music, and autism-related resources and awareness items, raffl e prizes, and fun activities. Spectrum Services Partners for Autism Campaign During the month of April, the Center for Spectrum Services is teaming up with a number of local businesses who are pledging to help raise funds for Spectrum Services. Just stop and be a patron at participating businesses to help. Visit the Center for Spectrum Services website for participating businesses: centerforspectrumservices.org Volunteers assemble the playground at the Kingston campus of the Center for Spec- trum Services last fall. The Junior League of Kingston is replacing the current Kinderland Park at Forsythe Park in Kingston. The new Kinderland II design offers components that are ADA- compliant (for kids with a variety of disabilities) and incorporates a new handicapped assessable swing. An important enhancement to Kinderland II will be the addition of toddler clubhouses, modeled after important historical community assets and the spatial reorganiza- tion of play structures to maintain age-appropriate zones of activity. The Junior League is seeking volunteers to help build (no skills necessary), help serve food and help with childcare. The build will take place from Wednesday, April 22 to Sunday, April 26 in shifts and meals and childcare are provided in addition to childcare. To volunteer or donate, visit juniorleaguekingston.org. How you can volunteer to help rebuild a local playground