CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Pa. — One Cumberland County park is about to get an exciting new addition.
Winding Hill Park North, just one of Upper Allen Township's 17 parks, will open a sensory garden on Wednesday at noon.
Last year, the township's parks department achieved a Certified Autism Center designation given to organizations whose staff have completed autism training.
The Upper Allen Township Parks Department said they're committed to accessibility and inclusivity at Winding Hill Park North, which is sensory-friendly and has accessible playground equipment.
Park director Chad Krebs shared, "Parks are for everyone, and we really try to create space for every age group."
This sensory garden, which has more than 600 plants meant to align with the five senses, has been in the works since last year.
There's a taste area with fruits and vegetables, a touch area with soft and rough plants, a sound area with several bird feeders and rustling trees, a smell area with more fragrant plants and a sight area with some beautiful, colorful plants.
The Upper Allen Township Parks Department says one in six people have some sort of sensory need and they want to help fulfill those needs.
"We're hoping it's just another safe place, tranquil place, somewhere to get away from the rustle and bustle of the playground," Krebs said.
The parks department says several volunteers from local schools came out to help build the garden.