Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation installs communication board at River Heritage Park

(THE HAMILTON COUNTY REPORTER) — Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation has installed a communication board at River Heritage Park, 11813 River Road. Designed to be an augmentative and alternative form of communication (AAC), the communication board will enhance the park experience for non-verbal and limited language community members.

A communication board is a device that displays symbols and illustrations to help those with limited language skills express themselves more effectively. Users can point to or gesture at the images on the board to express and share their emotions and needs non-verbally.

The communication board at River Heritage Park also features a QR code. By scanning the code with your phone, individuals can take the communication board with them digitally during their visit, rather than going back and forth to the board to convey their message.

In June 2001, River Heritage Park was dedicated as “Everyone’s Playground,” where individuals of all abilities could play and explore. This park sparked CCPR’s focus on making accessibility the standard for all parks utilizing Universal Design, which ensures spaces are intentionally designed for accessibility. When River Heritage Park was reimagined in 2022, CCPR outfitted the park with a new inclusive playground that is wheelchair accessible and a looping 0.75-mile immersive nature trail that overlooks the White River and is wheelchair friendly.

“Our hope is that the communication board at River Heritage Park will help empower individuals with communication differences, allowing everyone of all abilities to participate and take joy in our community’s natural spaces,” CCPR Inclusion Program Instructor Kelvin Solares said.

CCPR plans to install additional communication boards in other parks in the coming year to help provide exceptional park and recreation experiences for everyone.