Glade Run Park 

Zelienople, Pennsylvania

Glade Run Lutheran Services offers a number of educational and supportive services to traumatized youth and individuals with environmental and other sensitivities. Part of the clientele and residents have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Glade Run's cutting-edge, autism-specific services are delivered by staff trained to specifically understand the unique needs of individuals with ASD.

Currently, Rowell Brokaw Architects is working on three Glade Run projects in collaboration with George Braddock of Creative Housing Solutions: Sieberling Recreation Center, Jeremiah Village Master Plan and Glade Run Park.

Glade Run Park is a 1.25-acre park site intended to be the center of campus and provide inclusive outdoor play for all. The park will offer a safe environment for families and students, including a fenced perimeter, clear circulation paths and open visibility. Sensory components such as sand, water, grass and plants are designed to appropriately stimulate and challenge children. Activities that build large motor skills are proposed to enhance body awareness, balance and motion.

The playground equipment will be spaced apart to allow children a safe distance to observe activities prior to engaging in play. Quiet areas are designed throughout the park to soothe those that may become overstimulated. Underlying the whole park design is a richly landscaped environment for a multi-sensory immersion into nature that is inviting to children as well as wildlife.