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Forest Glen Grand Opening

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Forest Glen Grand Opening

My name is Laura Sokol and I was one of the individuals who sat on the committee to assist in the development of what is now known as Forrest Glen Park. The committee consisted of parents and educators of students with various disabilities. As you know these children are those who will require constant modifications and adaptations to help them partake in common every day life experiences. Being an educator for students with severe and profound disabilities for the last seven years, has truly given me the experience to know how important it is to create endless opportunities for these students to experience life “normally!”

First and for most I want to say thank you for giving me the opportunity to provide input on the design of the park. I truly feel that every suggestion was taken into consideration. The end result of the park has proved to be a great success.

I wanted to share with you my experience bringing my classroom to the park for the very first time. My classroom consists of six students with various disabilities, some mentally disabled and able bodied and others who’s physical disabilities have confined them to a wheelchair. Through my teaching experience I have never attended a park that allowed each one of my students to participate in at least one leisure activity.

On the day of our attendance I was pleased to see how crowded the park was with young, old, families, schools, able bodied, and disabled. Everyone including myself and students had smiles on their faces and at times to be honest tears of joy! This was the very first time I was able to have each one of my student’s; openly, willing, and eagerly activate the parks equipment and most importantly interact with everyone around them.

I was able to take my wheelchair bound students out of their chairs, let them swing on the swings, spin in the spinners, and sway in the boat safely and with the feeling of ease knowing that everything was going to be o.k. The smiles and vocalizations were priceless. One wheelchair bound student, who is required to stay in her chair due to her disability, was able to be pushed around to access all ramps and ride the bumps molded in the ground. She actually giggled! It truly was the best to witness. Two of my other students, who are usually very reserved and pull away from the general public, made friends and actually rounded up a game of tag. I of course joined in to help with further equipment access and to be honest to participate in this rare event that made all exude with excitement! When it was time to leave, my students actually hesitated and one refused to get on the bus. This just shows how great of a time everyone had. We even had young park patrons following us and asking their parents why their NEW friends had to leave. We all had a fabulous time and thought our experience needed to be shared. Thanks again for the Woodridge Park Districts hard work to create a park with endless possibilities for all!

Sincerely,

Laura Sokol

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