TEXARKANA, Texas -- Spring Lake Park's all-inclusive playground has a new feature to make the outdoor toys even more accessible.
A communications board was installed earlier in the week and announced through a Facebook post.
"This communication board includes images of letters, numbers, and other photos that express how a child might feel or what activities they'd like to do while in the park by pointing or gesturing toward different images," the post states.
Local mother Shea Phillips is excited to see son Atlas use the board. The 5-year-old was diagnosed with autism when he was 3 and is nonverbal. He uses communication boards to convey his intentions.
"I think it's really exciting because it took us a long time to get him equipment to do the picture-exchange communication," Phillips said.
Phillips thinks the board will make it easier for nonverbal children to express themselves.
"It will help create more independence on what to do at the park," Phillips said. "We can follow his lead instead of doing what we want to do and him coming along."
Phillips, who visits the playground often with Atlas, said she hopes to see other inclusive playgrounds constructed throughout the city.
"We see children with all sorts of abilities out there enjoying the playground and it's nice to have a safe area," Phillips said.
Parks project manager Keith Beason said two teachers on his recent walking tour commented on the usefulness of the board.
Parks official Robby Robertson said the playground is a product of partnerships between Eagle Scout Troop 16 and Texarkana Therapy center. He would like to see an inclusive playsite at each park in the city.
Information on the playground is available on the city's website.