Matthew Peterson
Credit: Submitted
Instead of toys or games for his third birthday, Matthew Peterson’s parents asked for something different – a donation for a playground at his school.
Matthew attends the Springtime School, which is run by Potential Inc., on Pheasant Run Road in Newtown Township. The school is set up for kids, like Matthew, with autism at any point on the spectrum.
While Potential Inc. also offers services for adults, their current project will help kids who go to school there. Last week, Potential broke ground on their sensory playground, a space for kids to play safely and advance towards their individual goals.
“It’s very important because they need a safe space for the kids to play, and right now they don’t really have one,” said Kelly Peterson, Matthew’s mother.
Matthew turned 3 years old on February 19. Instead of getting him toys, games, trinkets and outfits, Peterson asked friends and families to donate to Potential Inc.’s ongoing effort to build the sensory playground.
“This would be a way for the kids to be able to do the things they need to do and also meet their individual goals,” Peterson explained. “You can get another toy or outfit, but this will help him and other kids on a therapeutic level.”
“Last week was probably one of the best weeks the company has ever had,” said Gadi Naaman, the director of development for Potential. In addition to breaking ground on the playground on Tuesday, Potential celebrated its 11th anniversary on Monday and the Supreme Court ruled in favor of a special education student.
A rendering of the playground.
Credit: Submitted
According to Naaman, the playground will give kids a place to interact and practice social skills in an outside environment. The school is now in the process of choosing equipment for the playground, but everything chosen will serve a purpose for the students of Potential.
The school has raised about $40,000 for the playground out of a total of the $50,000 needed. If the goal is surpassed, the school will look into additional amenities for the playground. Once completed, it will feature a variety of equipment and be topped of with a fence to ensure a safe play space.
The Petersons raising money for Matthew’s birthday was a big push for the fundraising. Through their efforts, the family raised more than $4,300 for the playground.
Donations to the completion of the playground can be made here.
According to Naaman, the goal for the playground is to have it finished by the end of the summer. After the opening, Potential wants to open the playground up on invitation to others in the autistic community.
Credit: Submitted
