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Organizers outline plan for Abbott Court sensory playground, seek $200,000 from CPC
Summary
Organizers and City Community Development told the Fall River CPC they seek $200,000 toward a $650,000 sensory playground designed for children with autism; the city plans to apply for an expected $400,000 state park grant and the Community Development agency pledged $100,000.
Organizers of an Abbott Court sensory playground told the Fall River Community Preservation Committee on Jan. 8 they are seeking $200,000 from CPC funds toward a larger $650,000 project aimed at providing an inclusive play space for children with autism.
Michael Dionne, director of Community Development, said the city will pursue a state park grant for about $400,000 and that the Community Development agency has committed $100,000. Organizer Marcel Riley described community fundraising and partner support, including outreach to national and local autism‑support organizations.
Riley told the committee the proposal grew from a parent’s need: “I got a 4 year old nonverbal autistic daughter, and I needed to make a space for her,” he said, adding that schools, therapists and families have responded positively to the design. Dionne said the city will require phased construction if fundraising falls short and that the project will go out to public bid.
Committee members asked about cost drivers for sensory equipment, ongoing maintenance and a phased approach. A committee member with landscape‑architecture experience recommended standardizing materials across city projects to reduce long‑term supply costs and suggested phasing the work so early components can be used while fundraising continues for later elements.
If funded by CPC and other sources as planned, staff said the playground could open in early 2027. The project will also go to the park board for further approvals as required.
