Statement written by Sydney A Marable Occupational Therapist at ExplorAbilities 

ExplorAbilities has been a trusted provider of Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech Therapy in Albuquerque, NM for over 40 years. Throughout the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, we pivoted to telehealth and outdoor sessions in parks. It was during this time that we realized how crucial nature and outdoor play are for the children we serve. Being outside allowed them to bask in the sunshine, engage with sensory-rich environments like grass and sandboxes, and take on more challenging climbing activities.

However, we also saw the limitations of public parks. While parks offer great benefits, they often lack sufficient shade—something critical in Albuquerque, where the sun shines for over 300 days a year. Additionally, park safety can be a concern, especially for our younger and more mobile clients, who are prone to running off. Many parks also fall short in terms of full accessibility. While some areas are accessible, many playgrounds don't offer the ability for children to explore every space safely—whether they’re walking, crawling, or using a wheelchair.

This is why we’ve decided to create a new kind of space for our community—a playground designed specifically for the children we treat. Our vision is to create a fully accessible, sensory-rich environment, complete with a water feature, raised gardens, a secure perimeter, and shade structures. With over 300 appointments a week, including children with Autism, ADD/ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, and other conditions, we’re committed to providing a space where kids can climb, explore, take risks, and most importantly, be safe.

To enhance our services, we've also added Mental Health support for the children we treat, as well as their families. We are incredibly grateful to partner with Every Ability Plays Project, whose support is helping us turn our dream of a fully inclusive playground into a reality.