Group is looking for volunteers to take on leadership positions
Published in the April 15-28, 2015 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Staff Report
Ron Locicero
Morgan Hill and South Valley residents who might wish to help bring an “inclusive playground” for children with special needs to the community are invited to attend a 7 p.m. April 23 meeting at the Morgan Hill City Council Chambers.
The special meeting will provide details of the playground and join volunteers together to work to make it a reality.
The playground project is headed by Morgan Hill resident Ron Locicero, a member of the city’s Parks and Recreation Commission.
“The project will be a unique family friendly park and playground in Morgan Hill for children of all ages and abilities,” he said. “They will be able to learn and play together in an artistic and creative environment.”
The park will include all of the usual playground equipment but will be built and adapted for children with special needs.
Locicero also want an arts and crafts area were local volunteers can teach special needs children through artistic endeavors.
A music area is planned where children can play musical instruments, along with a garden section where volunteers can work with children on how to grow plants and flowers, as well as an area for a petting zoo where children can learn about small animals.
All areas will have signs in Braille and colorful drawings and poetry by local artists.
“We want people involved and excited about sharing their knowledge, skills, and expertise with the children,” Locicero said. “We will need a variety of volunteers to make this park a success. If you have skills in the following areas, we need you: accounting, construction, legal, public relations, teachers, principals, board members and designers.
Parents with special needs children are a top priority, he said.
Staff with the city of Morgan Hill have already been involved in the project.
“It will take the entire community to make this a reality,” Locicero said. “The support of our local clubs and businesses is vital to helping us to reach our goals. We are looking for a diversified steering committee of five to 15 people willing to take leadership positions.”
For more information, contact Locicero at (408) 710-0570 or email [email protected].
