On May 4, 2015, Rotarian Lorinda Porter introduced Shawnee McConchie, President of the Home and School Association, to speak to the Club on the Discovery Park Project in the planning stages at Sussex Elementary.
Discovery Park will be a centrally-located outdoor community space at Sussex Elementary School in Sussex, NB, dedicated to introducing natural elements back into the play environment for the entire community...
The principles of universal design are at the heart of the concept to ensure children and adults of all abilities can meaningfully explore:
The principles of universal design are at the heart of the concept to ensure children and adults of all abilities can meaningfully explore:
- Creative/Cognitive Play
- Social Play
- Physical Play
- Provide quiet retreats throughout the park
The park will be a leading example of inclusive, imaginative and natural play. Discovery Park will span 1,400 m2 in what is currently a hard, urban-style setting. Exploration with sand, water, boulders, tree stumps, a variety of grasses and growing trees will be available for all children. Surface choices and access points will allow children using all types of mobility to access all play areas.
The community serves a surrounding area of 10,000 people (approx.), 4% of whom are considered children and adults with special needs. Sussex Elementary School directly serves 460 students with 18 students (approx.) who have special needs. Socio-economic realities of the community do not allow some children to interact outside the urban setting on many occasions in the year.
Discovery Park plans have been created using the principles of universal design to create an outdoor play space that will offer diverse and inclusive play experiences for all children and adults regardless of their level of ability. Ninety percent of the features of the park are accessible and can be used by children and adults of varying mobility ranges.
The community serves a surrounding area of 10,000 people (approx.), 4% of whom are considered children and adults with special needs. Sussex Elementary School directly serves 460 students with 18 students (approx.) who have special needs. Socio-economic realities of the community do not allow some children to interact outside the urban setting on many occasions in the year.
Discovery Park plans have been created using the principles of universal design to create an outdoor play space that will offer diverse and inclusive play experiences for all children and adults regardless of their level of ability. Ninety percent of the features of the park are accessible and can be used by children and adults of varying mobility ranges.
The park reintroduces natural elements into an area that is presently very stark. For some children, this will mean exploring the properties of water, wood, and sand in new ways. The students of Sussex Elementary School will benefit as well as children and their families from all over our region. We are creating a playscape that allows children of all ages and abilities to play, socialize and grow in an environment where they can make discoveries about themselves and the natural world around them.
The Park will include Tree Cookies, Play Huts, Water Pump, Musical Instruments, Benches / Tables with a universal design feature with access to all.