Arc breaks ground playground inclusive, accessible to all

IOWA CITY - Scott White likes that his daughter Lauren, 18, has a place to go in the afternoons where she can have fun, learn and be supported.

That place is the Arc of Southeast Iowa. The Arc has long supported children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. This year, the Iowa City-based chapter added a new element, an after-school day camp targeted at junior high and older students, to help with that mission.

'Kids with intellectual disabilities often can't stay home after school on their own,” Arc of Southeast Iowa director Karen DeGroot said.

Soon, campers will have a new facility. The Arc broke ground Thursday on a new playground, which will be located at its 2620 Muscatine Avenue site.

DeGroot said the play structure, which is being funded in part through a $75,000 Community Development Block Grant from the city, will be the first truly accessible play area in Iowa City.

'Oftentimes when they're called accessible, they're just inclusive, which means wheelchair users still need assistance,” she said.

This playground, expected to be finished next spring, will have ramps and wider entries to accommodate wheelchairs. It also will incorporate an archaeological dig site for children and a sensory garden with butterflies and plants for children to smell and touch.

'Kids with special needs don't always learn the same way other kids learn. Often kids on the autistic spectrum like the texture of things, the feeling of things,” DeGroot said. 'Touching or smelling something is also a calming mechanism for a lot of kids.”

Arc staff are developing a curriculum for campers that will center on the garden.

DeGroot said it will make the day camp more successful and enjoyable for participants. It also will allow the Arc to move its summer camp onto the premises, instead of having camp activities at other facilities.

'One way we can serve more kids is to have a better outdoor area,” DeGroot said.

The Arc is looking for volunteers to help build the playstructure on Friday and Saturday. Shifts are available between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. No building experience is necessary, DeGroot said. Those interested in volunteering can call (319) 351-5017 or email jorja.ludeking@arcsei.org.

Tony Malqusak is excited for the ways the playground will benefit his son Anthony, 8.

'It's something that's long overdue. It will be another gem in Iowa City,” he said.