Public Park For Children With Autism In The Works In Tucson

TUCSON, AZ — A groundbreaking ceremony took place Tuesday for a new public park that will cater to children on the autism spectrum and children with physical disabilities.

Intermountain Sensory Park will be the first of its kind on the west coast and will provide a safe space for nearly 5,000 autistic children and their families to play or socialize in downtown Tucson.

"It's much needed," Rose Lopez, president and CEO of Intermountain Centers, said at the ceremony.

According to its website, Intermountain Centers provides programs for the Tucson community, including several for children with autism and other physical or behavioral disabilities.

The one-acre park will have five themed sections and two playgrounds for children to play on. A path will run through the park to the different sections.

A completion date is unknown at this time, as Intermountain Centers has said construction will take place when funds are available. Intermountain has said in the past that the park will costaround $1 million to build.

Intermountain Centers will be hosting a virtual fundraising event Thursday to help raise the necessary funds. The "Stars Around Us" event will feature national security analyst Frank Figliuzzi as a speaker and an auction with prizes like a self-portrait from U2 rocker Bono.