RICHLAND TOWNSHIP, Pa. (WJAC) — A school in Cambria County is raising money to build a special needs playground for the community to use.
Officials at Pressley Ridge Day School Johnstown say there's no other playground to meet the needs of many kids in the area and they want to change that.
It’s going to be custom built on the grounds of the Greater Johnstown Career and Technology Center.
Because of its special features, it could cost $200,000.
"All of our staff eat with our students, to teach them social skills,” said program director Andrea Roberts. “This is also our library. We also do some sensory regulation in this room."
The nonprofit special education school specializes in helping students with social and emotional disorders and students on the autism spectrum.
Besides learning in the classroom, Roberts wants to help teach other life skills, too.
"In order for us to meet all of their needs, it's important for us to provide a playground that has equipment that is accessible for all children with disabilities," Roberts said.
The goal, she says, is for teachers to go outside to teach social and sensory skills that the children need.
"If we can do that here, and then when they go to their home communities, or they're out and about, they can go to a playground and just have fun," Roberts said.
The playground will have video surveillance and "a fenced in, secured location in the back of the building, where it is away from the road and the dangers of traffic," Roberts said.
"What we're looking for with our fundraising efforts and to get all of the equipment that we need is upwards over $200,000," Roberts said.
It won't only benefit students at Pressley Ridge, but all children in the community.
"And the kids are on board. They know all about it and they can't wait,” Roberts said. “They keep asking me every day, 'When's the playground coming?' So we need your help."
Their goal is to have a groundbreaking ceremony this spring.
On Oct. 27, school leaders are holding a Musical Mysteries and More dinner theater fundraising event; $45 will include all-you-can-eat food, beer and soda.
There will be chances to win four Steelers tickets, too.
All of the proceeds will go toward the playground.
For tickets, call 814-262-9514.
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