Marie Decker

I teach an inclusion pre-school class for Albemarle County and I am confident that an all-abilities play space would be beneficial for children and adults of all abilities. One of the most powerful forces of growth and development that I’ve seen in my class is when my students with typical abilities (and their parents) initiate and sustain genuine relationships with children who have exceptionalities. An all-abilities play space would provide a natural, community space for this to happen on a daily basis. What an important way to build up our community and celebrate the diversity of our residents! Marie Decker, ECSE Teacher

My daughter, Darlene is a three year old full time AAC user. She gets so excited every time we go to Pen Park and she sees the communication board! She loves that it has symbols/words that match her device- there are no other public places where she has this experience. Darlene will use the board to pick her first…

I want an all-abilities play space in Charlottesvilles because it will be a place for all, not just children, to gather and form connections regardless of disability status!

I want an all-abilities play space in Charlottesville because I want to see a space that unites kids of all abilities!

I want an all-abilities play space in Charlottesville so that my son can go make friends and play with kids of all abilities! I want to raise someone who doesn’t shy away from ‘differences,’ and a park that includes everyone shows him how easy it can be to make sure everyone is included!

I would love to play in a tree house with my youngest grandson but I am simply too old to climb a ladder. I also want to see Charlottesville live up to its progressive ideals, inclusivity for all, regardless of abilities!

My ten year old son is in a wheelchair and he loves to swing and play just like any child! It would mean so much to be able to take him to a park that he could participate in, especially after long appointment days at UVA Children’s Hospital! To see the sweet smile on his face would mean the…

When my son Wilson was a little younger, we got homework from our occupational therapist. To get him on a swing. We’re always searching for ways to give him vestibular (movement) input. Swinging is an excellent way and since he liked being rocked and swung in people’s arms, the next step was swinging. But the logistics of this request…

I work as a special education teaching assistant in Albemarle County Public Schools. In my fifteen years of work with special needs children, many who move with wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, and other adaptive devices, I see a great need for outdoor play spaces that are universally accessible.

I am an Early Childhood Special Educator. I would absolutely bring my future classes to this playground on field trips, as well as utilize it for family events and encourage parents to bring their children of all abilities to this park for gross motor and inclusive social experiences.

Contact Us

Bennett’s Village is a collaborative project to build an all-abilities play space in the Charlottesville area. We hope you’ll help us build a place where all can play!

Bennett's Village, Inc., 716 Shamrock Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22903

(434) 529-6552

bennettsvillage@gmail.com

Latest News

Moving Lives Forward with UVA Athletics
https://www.cartermyersautomotive.com/UVA-moving-lives-forward.htm Carter Myers Automotive is a proud sponsor of…
Summer 2023 Volunteer Opportunities at Ting Pavilion
The Bennett’s Village community has a great opportunity to…
Call to Action–Part Two!
Good news! Bennett’s Village made it through the Senate…
September 2023 E-Newsletter
September 2023 e-newsletter Dear Bennett’s Village friends, Happy Fall! …
June 2023 e-newsletter
June 2023 E-Newsletter Phase One update Exciting news: together…

Design by Alexa Themes (and a family friend).

Email Us

Call Us

Marie Decker

Stories

Contact Us

Quick Links

Latest News