New Autism-Friendly Playground Opening This Month In Bucks County

A new autism-friendly and therapeutic playground will be opening later this month in Bucks County.

The playground is at Potential, a non-profit organization in Newtown. It will open on Saturday, April 21. A grand opening event is planned from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. During the special event, children will be able to use the playground. Snacks and beverages will also be available.

After that, the playground will be available for free as an enclosed safe play area for children with autism in the Bucks County area.

"We envision play dates and casual gatherings on weekends and evenings for non-clients when the equipment is not being used," according to Potential, an organization that assists individuals with autism in reaching their educational, social, and emotional potential.

Kristine Quinby, founder, president and CEO of Potential, said she is excited for the new playground to open.

"This is the culmination of a three-year project. Our vision has been to create a world where every person with autism can lead a successful life of value. We wanted to make this securely-fenced playground available to the community, free of charge, during evenings and weekends, when it is not in use by our clients," she said in a statement.

"Learning to play (with others) and playing to learn (social interaction) is a real benefit to children with autism," Quinby said.

To support that, Potential said it made sure that every piece of equipment on the new playground was specifically geared to encourage interaction with other children or enhance developmental skills. Examples include the multi-child swing, a "walk the plank" balance beam, a standing seesaw and dual slide.

Funding for the project was obtained through private donations and grants from Foundations Community Partnership, The Provident Bank Foundation and the Bucks County Commissioners.

Potential is located at 170 Pheasant Run, Newtown.

Image contributed by Potential

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