Northeast Arc To Unveil New Danvers Adaptive Playground

DANVERS, MA — Northeast Arc will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday to unveil a new adaptive playground on Southside Road in Danvers.

The ceremony is set for 10 a.m. to welcome neighbors to the playground designed to create an outdoor, engaging place for children with autism and sensory challenges.

Northeast Arc said children on the Autism spectrum are at higher risk for anxiety and depression than their neurotypical peers. Playing outdoors offers them opportunities to burn off energy and to develop the ability to manage their behaviors, to learn turn-taking skills, to pick the activity of greatest interest to them, to increase motor skills and balance, and to make friends.

Sensory elements for the new playground are designed to help children with self-regulation, so they feel at ease and open to learning.

The main slide and climbing structure will feature a transfer point for children using wheelchairs to access. It is topped with a sail cover to offer shade and protection from the elements.

A pirouette standing spinner, a funnel-shaped ball toss, a xylophone and a communication board are part of the area.

A crawl tube and sensory panels include a puppet stage, window panel, dinosaur panel, critter puzzle panel and chime panel. A bird nest swing was also added to the infant/todder area.

Northeast Arc officials, families, playground designers, sponsors and elected officials are expected to attend the ribbon-cutting.