The Dzherelo Children’s Rehabilitation Center has provided care and training for children with disabilities for decades. Now, many new children with disabilities have arrived as a result of the Russian invasion, creating thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs).

About half of the children have Cerebral Palsy (CP) and the balance are children with Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD) and similar disabilities.

We had supported Dzherelo in several ways and wanted to do more for this very important and necessary Organization. 

There was no suitable outdoor area for the more than 200 children who visit this center and we decided that this would be our goal. 

To create a safe, fun and challenging park for these children. 

We reviewed our past projects for children with disabilities and we contacted some global experts for their suggestions and comments on our vision. 

After 4 months, we completed 2 adjoining parks filled with experiences of our own design and fabrication. Everything was created to address the questions which lead to discovery - WHAT, WHERE and WHY? 

This was applied to the designs, the colors, the construction and the implementation of this project. 

A local steel fabricator worked closely with us to create several unique pieces of equipment. Swings that would accommodate wheelchairs and carousels that would accommodate up to 4 wheelchairs simultaneously, are examples of this cooperation. 

The two adjoining parks cover more than a 12,000 square foot secured area.

• 2 rubber pad covered areas with filled with playground equipment

• Stone walking paths

• 350 square feet by 15 feet high Gazebo

• A large play structure with a 6-foot-high, 9-foot long slide, 3 platforms, a small platformed house and a ramp with a tunnel

• Group play area with artificial grass for soccer, badminton and other team sports

• Game area encouraging hand eye coordination

• Big trampoline

• Sensory boards and special items (feel, sight and sound)

• Outdoor and indoor hammocks

• Covered swinging nest

• Elements for obstacle course

• Large swinging, covered bench that can accommodate up to 6 children

• Large swinging bench covered with artificial grass for sensory purposes

• 2 swing areas with special swing chairs and safety belts

• 2 carousels that can accommodate up to 6 children

• Special wheelchair carousel that can accommodate up to 4 wheelchairs

• 3 special wheelchair swings

• Sandbox

• Mobile sensory tunnel

• Fence around the entire 12,000-foot square area.

We believe that these parks have the potential of creating that spark which can lead to a more complex cognitive view of the world for these children. 

We also believe that seeing these children filled with laughter and curiosity will bring joy to the caregivers and parents who work so hard to provide these children with a full and comfortable life.