04-13-2023 Howard Magazine - Flipbook - Page 28
Talia Stettner, who has autism, plays with her father Andy at Schooley Mill Park’s new inclusive playground, which
accommodates children with disabilities.
BY MIKE KLINGAMAN Howard Magazine
alia Stettner is a whirlwind, an Energizer bunny with boundless pep and
the restless spirit to test its depth. For the autistic 8-year-old, the living
room sofa is less a seat than a trampoline. There’s a hammock swing in
the basement of her family’s home in Fulton and hiking trails nearby to
route her vigor. But Talia’s favorite exercise venue is the playground at Schooley Mill
Park, in Highland, a recreation site recently renovated to fit the needs of the disabled.
One of four “inclusive” playgrounds in Howard County, Schooley Mill reopened
in February, following a three-year upgrade of the 30-year-old facility to make
it accessible to all. In 2021, renovations enhanced playgrounds at Savage Park,
Centennial Park North and Blandair Regional Park for those with cognitive, sensory
and communicative disabilities.
Schooley Mill Park is located 10 minutes from their home and is a plus for his
daughter, Andy Stettner said.
“Talia is a sensory kid who is always on the go. It’s important for her to do something
physical; it makes her less anxious,” Stettner said. “She is always happy to get there
and play on the various toys on which she can climb, twirl around and swing, even
sideways. Talia loves the bigger swings and extra-large seesaws, which tend to be
easier [to manage] for kids with disabilities. The equipment is all kind of connected
and ramped, and the whole playground is fenced so [parents] can relax, knowing
that their kids won’t ‘elope’ [wander off].”
Schooley Mill boasts different slides, a wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round
and a bevy of musical instruments posted at various stations in the farm-themed
playground. There is also a communications board to help those, like Talia, with
T
28
| Spring 2023 | howardmagazine.com