New Enhanced Communication For Visitors to Julie’s Jungle

Most Hudson Valley parents would likely agree that we're pretty lucky to have this particular playground centrally located here in the Hudson Valley. Julie's Jungle, the first fully accessible playground built in Dutchess County is a staple for kids of all ages, and abilities.

Facebook/Julie's Jungle

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An Accessible Playground For All Children of All Abilities

Dating back as early as 2012, and following years of preparation, community efforts and through the dedication of volunteers, phase I of Julie's Jungle opened at Lime Kiln Park in July of 2016 with an accessible playground. Just two years later, phase II construction was completed and in 2021, a 6,000 foot sensory garden opened.

From day one, the vision has always been to build a playground 'where all children of all abilities can play and learn together.' Featuring ramps, stairs that are shorter in height and therefore more accommodating, ramps, accessible routes and paths.

The main feature, which makes the playground most accessible, is the rubberized safety surfacing throughout the entire playground. The surfacing alone accounts for approximately 35% of the total project cost.

Julie's Jungle at Lime Kiln via Facebook

As a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization, independent donations and grants are responsible for making this incredible space a reality that continues to expand with time.

REMEMBER WHEN: Local Girl Scouts Add Kindness Garden To Julie's Jungle

Julie's Jungle & Beacon Speech Therapy Introduce Communication Board at Playground

At the end of July, in collaboration with Beacon Speech Therapy, Julie's Jungle announced that a new communication station designed to help people communicate while they play had been installed.

Julie's Jungle at Lime Kiln via Facebook

Special thank you to Beacon Speech Therapy for creating & designing the communication board, and Dave Nieves for adding his artistic touch! And of course, Town of East Fishkill for all the support.

In order to allow everyone the opportunity to communicate, the communication board can be used in various ways; users can point to pictures to represent their message, ask for things, share ideas, make choices, respond, talk about feelings, etc.

Julie's Jungle at Lime Kiln via Facebook

The communication board comes shortly after the implementation of the Little Free Library at Julie's Jungle in June.