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.