Photos: Groundbreaking of Intermountain Centers' new sensory park
Attendees gather outside of Intermountain Centers for a groundbreaking ceremony for a new public park, Intermountain Sensory Park, in Tucson, Ariz. on September 15, 2020.
Intermountain Centers is preparing to build a new public sensory park, the only one west of the Mississippi, designed to accommodate individuals on the autism spectrum as well as individuals with physical disabilities, said Paul O'Rourke, Intermountain Center's vice president of development and communications.
The new park will provide a save and accessible place for more than 5,000 people and their families.
"It's much needed," said Rose Lopez, president and CEO of Intermountain Centers. The families and kids need a place where they can have social interactions, added Lopez.
The park will be a little over an acre in size and will be built in four phases. There will be a path which runs through the park as well as five sections with themes and two playgrounds.
The expected finish date is yet to be determined due to funding but will be constructed as funds become available, said O'Rourke.
Intermountain Centers will be holding a virtual fundraising event this Thursday at 6:30 p.m. to help raise the funds needed to build the new park. More information can be found at their website, intermountaincenters.org.
Intermountain Sensory Park
Tim Thomure, right, interim director of Tucson Parks and Recreation, talks with Greg Jackson, deputy director of capital planning for Tucson Parks and Recreation, about the design of Intermountain Centers new sensory park during the ground breaking of the park at Intermountain Center, 401 N. Bonita, in Tucson, Ariz. on September 15, 2020.
Intermountain Sensory Park
Attendees listen as Tim Thomure, interim director of Tucson Parks and Recreation, introduces speakers during the ground breaking of Intermountain Centers new sensory park at Intermountain Center, 401 N. Bonita, in Tucson, Ariz. on September 15, 2020.
Intermountain Sensory Park
A rendering of Intermountain Centers new sensory park is displayed during the ground breaking of the park at Intermountain Center, 401 N. Bonita, in Tucson, Ariz. on September 15, 2020.
Intermountain Sensory Park
Julie Shivanonda, principle of Intermountain Academy, waves at attendees after shoveling sand during the ground breaking of Intermountain Centers new sensory park at Intermountain Center, 401 N. Bonita, in Tucson, Ariz. on September 15, 2020.
Intermountain Sensory Park
Tim Thomure, center, interim director of Tucson Parks and Recreation, elbow bumps Paul O'Rourke, Intermountain Center's vice president of development and communications, before the ground breaking of Intermountain Centers new sensory park at Intermountain Center, 401 N. Bonita, in Tucson, Ariz. on September 15, 2020.
Intermountain Sensory Park
Two attendees take pictures during the ground breaking of Intermountain Centers new sensory park at Intermountain Center, 401 N. Bonita, in Tucson, Ariz. on September 15, 2020.
Intermountain Sensory Park
From left to right, Greg Jackson, deputy director of capital planning for Tucson Parks and Recreation, Paul O'Rourke, Intermountain Center's vice president of development and communications, Julie Shivanonda, principle of Intermountain Academy, Rose Lopez, president and CEO of Intermountain Centers, Pima County Ward 1 council member Lane Santa Cruz and Tim Thomure, interim director of Tucson Parks and Recreation, shovel sand during the ground breaking of Intermountain Centers new sensory park at Intermountain Center, 401 N. Bonita, in Tucson, Ariz. on September 15, 2020.
Rebecca Sasnett
Photojournalist
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