We have two months to go until breaking ground for The Inventor’s Yard outdoor renovation at Gilbert House Children’s Museum. We have great anticipation for the new play and learning opportunities Phase 1 of this build will introduce for our visitors, and are thankful for our many supporters who are making this possible.
Excitement is quickly growing for the addition of a new bubble exhibit and Nature’s Workshop on the property, but we’d also like you to know about the many improvements to accessibility that Phase 1 will bring to the Museum.
First, we have plans to remodel our Museum entrance with improved ADA ramps making it easier for wheel chairs, strollers, and walkers to access our buildings. Visitors will also appreciate the addition of more paths and “rollable” surfaces throughout new playscape features. Astroturf will be incorporated, allowing greater wheelchair access throughout the playground.
“We see mobility challenges all the time in orthopedics. Mobility is huge for children,” shares CEO of Hope Orthopedics, Lorissa Addabbo. “Learning for them includes being able to touch and see how things work. If mobility is restricted that directly impacts how they learn and how active they can be.”
We are grateful to have Hope Orthopedics on board as our Play for All sponsor, and appreciate their advocacy for childhood learning.
Throughout the entire planning of our outdoor remodel, it has been a priority to incorporate experiences that children of all mobility levels can participate in. All new structures will feature accessible doorways, and overhead obstructions will be limited throughout the playground.
“I see it having a big impact, as it will allow kids to have a creative space that encompasses so much sensory exploration (including bubbles!),” Addabbo adds. “It’s a unique opportunity for the Museum and will be a treasure for Salem.”
