In a bid to make recreational spaces more inclusive, the Hamilton County Parks and Recreation (HCPR) department, with financial assistance from the Channing’s Joy Foundation, has taken a step forward by installing a communication board at Cool Creek Park.

This latest feature at the park, located at 2000 E. 151st Street, is designed to lower the hurdles faced by nonverbal individuals or those with speech difficulties during their park visits by providing a way for them to communicate needs and emotions using the combination of pictures and words on the board; this tool is located near the playground, a place where the need for interaction is at its highest, because playgrounds are more than swings and slides they are social hubs for our children where the act of play meshes with the art of conversation.

Hamilton County's commitment to accessibility and inclusion shines through with this practical addition, as stated in Hamilton County announcement. "Playgrounds should be spaces where everyone feels welcome and included," Chris Stice, Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Director, delineated, recognizing that communication is a cornerstone of participation and connection.

HCPR's ongoing initiatives to break down barriers within public spaces, ensuring venues like Cool Creek Park can be enjoyed by individuals of all abilities further promotes their dedication to creating an environment where everyone has the opportunity to engage and take pleasure in the park's facilities.