Play space upgrades at Comox Valley Child Development Association

The Comox Valley Child Development Association is renovating its outdoor play space. The intention is to create a natural sensory environment for play and therapy. The space is used mainly by a team at The Autism Program (TAP), located directly off of the Comox Valley Autism Centre.

The Early Intervention Therapy building next door offers programs including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language pathology. The upgrades will expand therapy sessions outdoors.

The improved outdoor space with specialty play equipment, obstacles and sensory features will provide a more naturalistic, 'fun' environment to assist in motivating children through challenging tasks.

The first phase of construction involves excavating, landscaping and repurposing outdoor storage. The future phase will add some of the more nuanced therapy 'equipment/tools' such as sensory play panels andraised garden beds.

"We have been so fortunate to have the support of the community in bringing this rejuvenation

project to life," a news release states.

Comox Valley McDonald's restaurants and their annual McHappy Day fundraiser has been a long-time partner with past play space upgrades. Owners are once again making a large financial contribution.

The CVCDA is also supported by Courtenay Rotary, financially, and by volunteering a large number of labour hours

to complete the play space. As a Rotary representative, Chris Swift is the project leader.

Peter Ashmore has also been an invaluable resource providing consulting services from the early stages of planning, and leading focus groups. He has continually been involved at every stage right down to assisting the CVCDA with sourcing

and/or building the right equipment to complete the space.

The CVCDA is again working with construction partner, Lacasse Construction. Owner Cale Lacasse and his team has consulted on the project whereever needed.

The project will be completed this summer.

FMI: www.cvcda.ca