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Sherwood Community Services seeks art inclusion at Aug. 9 Windjammer Park event; Parks & Rec previews adaptive-playground RFP
Summary
Brooke Burdick of Sherwood Community Services asked the Arts Commission to consider the organization's Aug. 9 community day at Windjammer Park, which will include art activities for people with developmental disabilities; Parks & Recreation staff said the department will present conceptual designs for an inclusive playground at the same event.
Brooke Burdick, representing Sherwood Community Services, asked the Oak Harbor Arts Commission on June 12 to note an Aug. 9 community event at Windjammer Park that will feature art activities designed to integrate people with developmental disabilities.
"Sherwood Community Services provides employment services for those with developmental disabilities," Burdick said in public comment. "One of our goals is to create an inclusive community where our clients feel like they're a part of the world around them." She described plans for drawing, rock painting, crafts and a program that pairs service groups with clients to teach projects. Burdick said Island County representatives and other agencies will attend and that Parks & Recreation will present plans for an adaptive playground.
Brian of Parks & Recreation said the department will issue a request for proposals for design and permitting of an "all-inclusive" play area at Windjammer Park and that department staff are at the early stage of that process. "We have a RFP that's going out for design and permitting for a all inclusive play area to be put in at Windjammer Park," he said, adding the process is in conceptual design and may include consultant renderings and community conversations.
Commissioners thanked Burdick for the notice and encouraged coordination between Sherwood, Parks & Recreation and other community partners; staff said they will remain in contact as event planning and the playground design process continue.
Why it matters: the event and the RFP both focus on inclusive recreation and arts engagement for residents with developmental disabilities and provide opportunities for the Arts Commission to participate or promote inclusive programming.
What happens next: Sherwood Community Services will share event materials with the commission; Parks & Recreation will present playground concepts and engage consultants and community stakeholders as the RFP and design work proceed.
