Wheaton Sensory Playground Receives $35,000 Grant

Submitted by the Wheaton Park District 

The Play for All Playground and Garden Foundation has been awarded $35,000 in grant funds from Cadence Health Foundation, now part of Northwestern Medicine, for the continued development of the Sensory Garden Playground. The playground’s first phase will be completed this fall.

According to the Center of Disease Control, one in every 88 children is diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Even more startling are recent reports indicating that these numbers are on the rise. Whether it is a mild or profound diagnosis on the spectrum, more than 2,500 families in DuPage County have a child with autism.

This project is spearheaded by the Play for All Playground and Garden Foundation, which includes the project’s Founding Partners Wheaton Park District, Western DuPage Special Recreation Association, DuPage County Forest Preserve District, Kiwanis Club of Wheaton, Shane’s Inspiration, and Landscape Structures, Inc. The playground will be a universally accessible and inclusive play environment for people of all abilities, especially those on the autism spectrum, and their families. The project is located in Danada South Park, near the corner of Naperville and Warrenville Roads.

The free of charge and strategically designed Sensory Garden Playground includes a mix of tactile, visual, and auditory experiences that encourages side-by-side play for all visitors that delivers assistance in improving and developing life skills as well as increasing physical activity. Immersed in a journey using their senses and abilities, each child will have equal access to recreation and the countless benefits of play.

Phase One includes a Pony Stables Playground planned for 2-5 year olds featuring slides, climbers, and activity panels all with a pony stables theme. Additional features of Phase One include sound and fragrance gardens, shade structures, accessible pathways, and a central gathering space with a mare and foal climbing structure, which reflects the heritage of wining thoroughbreds raised on the site by Dan and Ada Rice.

Phases two–four will include a playground for 5-12 year olds, water play area, accessible tree house, and a multi-purpose sensory-integrated sports field. The Play for All Playground & Garden Foundation cordially encourages and invites corporations, organizations, and individuals to consider making a financial contribution towards the project. The project has raised $116,600 toward Phases 2-4 but still needs $1.78 million more in funding.

Please visit dupagesensoryplay.org for more information or to make a donation to the Sensory Garden Playground project, or contact Wheaton Park District Director of Development Sarah O’Donnell at 630.510.4986 to setup an appointment.