West Palm Beach · Education

West Palm Beach school opens sensory-friendly playground for autistic kids

Connections Education Center in West Palm Beach has opened a playground designed for children on the autism spectrum.

selective focus shot of outdoor swing
Photo: Illustrative: Aaron Burden / Unsplash

A new playground built for children on the autism spectrum is now open at Connections Education Center in West Palm Beach. The school, at 1310 Old Congress Ave., says the space was designed specifically for students with autism and goes well beyond a traditional playground.

The play area includes a communication board, sensory elements and an accessible safety surface built to accommodate students with special needs. It also has community signage, including stop signs and railroad crossing signs, that lets students practice real-world safety skills.

School leaders said the project was made possible through the generosity of Addy van Leeuwen, a local philanthropist and Connections volunteer. The source report did not give an opening date or cost for the playground.

For families in Palm Beach County, the opening adds a specialized outdoor option for students who need a more structured setting to play and learn.

This story is a summary based on reporting by WPTV News. Read the original for full details.

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