Community-built playground for nonverbal autistic students opens at Ceres school

A kid-centered, community-built playground for nonverbal autistic students opened at Aspire Summit Charter Academy on Saturday.

The playground features a bilingual communication board at its entrance, where students can point to pictures on the sign to communicate their thoughts and needs. Seventy percent of students at Aspire Summit Charter Academy are Latino.

“It’s essential to us that we offer our scholars a positive academic environment and joyful opportunities for play and creativity,” said Zack Dickinson, principal of Aspire Summit Charter Academy, which is sponsored by the Ceres Unified School District.

The playground was brought to life through a collaboration between Aspire Public Schools, Smile Generation and the nonprofit KABOOM!, with volunteers completing its construction over the course of three days. The effort culminated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony Sept. 21 at the school on East Hatch Road.

Community members led the project from concept to installation. In July, students from Aspire Summit Charter Academy contributed by sketching their ideal playspaces. Their ideas were incorporated into the final playground design.

“We are so proud of our scholars who submitted their creative ideas that have been worked into this playspace design,” Dickinson said, “and we are deeply thankful to our community partners whose support has been instrumental in bringing this to life. It is truly wonderful to see that our youngest scholars will now have their very own developmentally appropriate space where they can explore, learn, grow, and experience the joy of play.”

The project is part of a nationwide initiative by KABOOM! to make playspaces more inclusive and accessible. KABOOM!, a nationwide nonprofit, is dedicated to addressing playspace inequity as many children, particularly in communities of color, lack access to quality play areas.

“Places to play are iconic parts of childhood where kids collect some of their best memories and experience the countless physical and mental health benefits of play,” said KABOOM! CEO Lysa Ratliff. “KABOOM! is excited to partner with Smile Generation and Aspire Public Schools to ensure that kids in Modesto have access to what they need to have a happy and healthy childhood.”

Since 2010, Smile Generation has teamed up with KABOOM! to construct playgrounds nationwide. This project marks their 20th build.

“We’re proud and honored to be a part of this 20th playground build, especially as we combine playground equity and oral health equity,” said Toreano Norris, Smile Generation regional partner. “The fact that – in addition to providing students with a safe, fun place to play – the playground will also ensure that students with different needs or abilities can enjoy this space is especially gratifying.”