The City of San Clemente has announced the Courtney’s Sandcastle Grand Opening of Phase II—the Sensory Garden.
The Garden is created to stimulate the five senses of autistic children, as well as those with other disabilities. Part of the garden is still under construction, but much of it will soon be open.
The garden will eventually have a wide variety of plants that will provide sensory stimulation. The site will also boast a meandering path, musical panels, a simulated Tide Pool, and an interactive water feature with a floating marble ball.
Phase I of Courtney’s SandCastle, a universally accessible children’s playground with emphasis on those children with mental, physical, and sensory disabilities, was opened in 2012. Some of its more popular features are a specially built swing set, a castle, and a pirate ship. Children can safely meander about the play area intermingling with other guests, with their actions no doubt making good subjects for brochure printers or poster printing for children’s disability organizations.
Originally, the playground concept was launched in 2001 and named after Courtney Faye Smith, who has muscular atrophy. She was just four years old when it was unveiled.
The park is part of the Vista Hermosa Sports Park & Aquatics Center, 987 Avenido Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. Ceremonies will be held there on March 21, at 10:00 am.
