Our organization is focused and determined to build a playground environment that is the best, most productive space that it can be for children and families of all abilities. However, we are not experts. We need to understand the questions first, and then develop and operationalize the answers in a collaborative process.

To develop a better understanding and get the best input we can, Sussex Can-Do will engage on an ongoing basis with important “stakeholders” in the community for the purpose of defining priorities. One group will be parents and teachers of children with special needs, professionals who serve and support this population, and other professionals in order to understand what components and features should be included to maximize the experiences of the kids and their families.

The second group will be the kids themselves. Who better to ask?  Our plan is hold a session in which children of various abilities will share their opinions on what they would like to have in their unique playground. Art supplies will be available for those who want to provide a visual representation. We will record the children’s comments and review their designs and comments along with any written description children wrote as well as any information we received from children that needed help expressing their ideas. 

All this input can be used to finalize our design, prioritizing our budget and acquisitions. While we can’t promise that every idea will come to life exactly as imagined, we’ll do our best to create the space that everyone imagines.

After the playground opens, we will make a point of communicating with families at the site to get their thoughts and recommendation for how we can improve everyone’s experience. In the years to come,the organization will continue our investment so that this special place can be preserved and improved for the benefit of everyone.