Sensory Garden Playground near Wheaton preps for grand opening

Kids and adults of all ages and abilities will have a chance to enjoy the outdoors this weekend at the new Sensory Garden Playground.

A grand opening for the first phase of the playground, which has been in the works for years, is scheduled for 10 a.m. to noon Saturday.

The day will be filled with crafts, games, group activities and light refreshments, along with guided and self-guided use of the new play equipment, which includes ramps, accessible slides and other features to spark the imagination of young children.

"We're really excited about it," said Sarah O'Donnell, director of development for the Wheaton Park District.

The event is free and open to anyone, but donations are welcomed to support the next three phases of the project.

"Fundraising is critical and we really need support from around the community," O'Donnell said.

In addition, guests planning to attend Saturday's event are asked to RSVP by emailing SensoryPlay@wheatonparks.org.

Wheaton Warrenville Unit District 200's new Special Needs PTA is also hosting its first family event at the playground from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. District 200 students and parents are welcome to bring a lunch and enjoy the PTA's "Play Day Out" while learning more about the new amenities.

Families can access the playground - built on 40 acres in the DuPage County Forest Preserve District's Danada South Park, near Wheaton - by heading east on Navistar Drive from Naperville Road and turning left on Navistar Circle. Parking and a short trail to the playground is on the left.

The play area that has been opened is geared toward 2-5 year olds. Other amenities will include a central gathering area with benches and shade structures, a sound garden with outdoor musical instruments, a fragrance garden with herbs and vegetables and accessible paths.

Many of the features have been designed with children with autism in mind, as they have the ability to stimulate and engage senses, but anyone can enjoy the area. Later phases of the project include a playground geared toward kids age 5-12, an accessible tree house and baseball field and a water play area.

The project has been spearheaded and funded by multiple groups, including the park district, forest preserve district, Kiwanis Club of Wheaton, Western DuPage Special Recreation Association and others.

For information, visit playforalldupage.org or call (630) 510-4986.