A sensory garden for children with autism: a volunteer-led effort in Columbus

For five years the neighborhood has asked for a sensory garden for children with autism. This year a group of 23 volunteers, including a group of teenagers, decided to stop waiting. The council has given permission for the Acacia vacant lot, but no funding. We have received donated volunteer hours worth about $820, and the remaining cost is $1,450. It will serve about 238 people, including young people who have nowhere safe to play. We'll hold a build day in August and everyone is invited. We're a small team, and every dollar will be spent in the open - I'll post receipts and progress photos. All purchases will be made by two volunteers and logged publicly. Surplus funds will go to maintenance. Where the $1,450 goes: • Safety equipment and signage: $310 • Materials: $1,050 • Permits and inspections: $90 You're what makes this possible, and I'll never forget it. - Joyce