COMMUNITY NEWS
Courtney’s Sandcastle’s Sensory Garden
by Courtney Faye Smith (Age 17)
Courtney’s Sandcastle was named after its founder, Courtney Faye Smith, who has been con- fined to a wheelchair her entire life. The first two phases included construction of a miniature pirate ship, a decorative castle with ramps for wheelchairs directed to activity areas, swings, climbing walls and slides - all for physical uses. The third phase will consist of an urban forest – with trees, plants shaped like animals, water features, winding paths, benches - a sensory gar- den. Bidding for this third phase of the Universal playground from landscape architectural firms has begun, and the Courtney Sandcastle Charitable Foundation has helped to raise monies through such fundraising efforts as tile sales, naming rights for benches and equipment, and do- nations from companies and community members. Here’s what Courtney had to say about the coming addition: … Bill Thomas
F Courtney and a friend tour the park.
or most of my life, I have dreamed of how Courtney’s Sandcastle playground would turn out. The playground and my
journey together have so far lasted 13 years. We’ve made it halfway. I used to joke around that I would have children of my own before the playground was completed. You can only imagine the anticipation I feel now for the proj- ect to be completed through the addition of the sensory garden. The surreal feeling I got, before the ribbon
cutting, when I first entered phase one of the playground was a feeling of indescribable joy. For as long as I can remember, I have been
dreaming of this becoming a re- ality. Here I was, finally in it, but something was missing. I looked to my right and saw the empty dirt space and realized the project was not complete without the sensory garden. My hope and dream for this play- ground has always been one of inclusion but at this point in time only physical needs have been met. With a goal as broad as inclusion,
ERBA...
Save 15%on any one item with ad
EXPIRES 8-1-14
Jewelry, European Body Care, Candles, Gifts and now apparel and organic face products!
... just more reasons to love it.
Lolita Glasses: Back Yard BarBQue Pilsner, #1 Dad Martini, Graduation Girl Wine, Best Dad Ever Pilsner, #1 Grandpa Wine, and Graduation Martini.
Also Rawlings Mouse Pad, made from Rawlings Baseball Glove Leather.
I want to facilitate as many abilities as possible. In a world where we rely so heavily on social inter- actions, the de- pendence on our senses is a cru- cial part of life. I feel the respon- sibility to in- clude those who
would socially benefit from a calming sensory environment. Think back to a time when you ran through the sprinklers on a hot summer day or studied the textures and smells of all the plants and flowers around you. Being able to have these experiences helped shape your child- hood, who you became as a person. But, many people have not been able to have this experi- ence due to the environment being over-stim- ulating or not conducive to normal childhood play. This playground would give these crucial specific childhood moments to those who would not otherwise have access to them.
We have a wide selection of unique gifts and collectibles for all ages.
Sea Turtles by Chris Barela: Pacer largest, Aruba medium and 2 Lil Flippers small.
• The Frog Man • Patience Brewster • Byers Choice • Department 56 Villages • Harmony Kingdom • Jewelry
• Wee Forest Folk • Home Decore • Camille Beckman Skin Care • Your Patience Brewster “Krinkles” Headquarters • Jeweled Trinket Boxes
• Lolita Hand Painted Glass • Elegant Baby Gifts/Clothing • Jim Shore • Franz • Willow Tree • Lipsense • Fairies and Mermaids
949.492.2355 •
www.shoperba.com 16
114 Ave Del Mar • Downtown San Clemente SAN CLEMENTE JOURNAL
2708 Via Cascadita, San Clemente 949-443-1670 OPEN: 10:00-5:00 Mon, Tues, Wed & Fri • Sat 11:00-4:00 •
www.TheMoleHole.net
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76