COLTS NECK – The Colts Neck Lions Club is raising money to extend Challenger Place at Dorbrook Park, 353 Route 537, Colts Neck.
As described by the Monmouth County Park System, Challenger Place is a universally accessible playground that provides all children, at their own level of play, an opportunity to laugh, play, grow and learn together.
The playground opened in June 2004 and includes elevated surfaces that are accessible to those in wheelchairs and Braille signs for individuals who are visually impaired. Each of the three play structures has areas where children of varied abilities can play together.
Challenger Place was a joint venture of the Monmouth County Park System and Challenged Youth Sports, Middletown, and is the first universally integrated playground in New Jersey, according to the park system’s website.
The Colts Neck Lions Club was formed in 1969 and has been serving the community ever since. Members volunteer their time to assist humanitarian causes and one of the organization’s primary goals is to support individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
The club’s current initiative is to create a sensory den at Challenger Place.
Lions Club President Justin Lotano said the idea for a sensory den came about when Lions International sought ideas for a large project to celebrate the organization’s 100th anniversary.
The sensory den will be created to give children multi-sensory stimulation and exercise, Lotano said.
The Lions Club website states that “the term ‘sensory’ is important when describing the playground features, as many of the items being added involve senses other than vision.
“Musical instruments like xylophones and drums will enhance this space. In addition to these and other audible features, we will also be including misting columns.
“Although the equipment and features are specially designed for children who are blind or visually impaired, we are confident they will appeal to all children who visit the playground, including children in our community. Interaction among children of all abilities is beneficial to all,” the website states.
Lotano said the club’s goal is to have the sensory den completed by the spring of 2018. The estimated cost is $125,000 and about $35,000 has been raised.
“We are trying to spread our request through word of mouth, by seeking grants and by hosting fundraisers. Most of the money raised has come from personal donations and a generous donation from the Colts Neck Business Association. We are waiting to hear from 15 grants,” he said.
“A lot of our fundraising efforts are for projects and foundations that are out of town. This (sensory den) would be a cause people can drive by. It is something tangible we can be proud of,” Lotano said.
Donations for the sensory den may be sent to the Lions Club, P.O. Box 284, Colts Neck, NJ 07722.
In Colts Neck, the Lions Club collects and recycles eyeglasses, and provides health services that include eye exams, blood pressure and diabetes screenings, and hearing tests.
The Lions Club meets at 7 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at Huddy’s Inn, 20 Route 537 East. The organization welcomes new members.
“We welcome people at our fundraising events and anybody’s interest in working with us and helping to make this (project) happen would be very welcome,” Lions Club member George Sherwood said.