As part of its 70^th Anniversary Campaign, The Arc of Chester County is making incredible progress toward its goal to renovate its inclusive playground constructed 24 years ago.

Thanks to generous grants from the Edith L. Trees Charitable Trust, Crystal Trust, individual donors, and an Arc Family fundraising effort, The Arc has raised nearly $190,000 toward its goal of $235,000.

Bill and Sarah Keenan and their three-year-old son, Connor, held a fundraiser at Ice Line in November, which included a Dine & Donate Event at the rink’s Goal Line Pub to bring awareness to RTS and support The Arc’s Playground Project.

Connor, a student in The Arc’s Children’s Early Learning Services Program, was diagnosed with RTS and currently receives specialized educational services and multiple therapies to ensure he continues to make progress.

Along with raising awareness for RTS, their event honored Connor and showed support for individuals with RTS. Conner’s Crew raised a total of $12,600 from this fundraising event in support of The Arc’s Inclusive Playground Project.

The Arc’s current playground is original to the building, which was built in 2000.

Over the past 24 years, The Arc has supported more than 1,800 children two years of age through their entrance into kindergarten. Arc teachers and therapists have used it year-round for not only play but for critical physical, occupational, and speech therapy, which has helped thousands of children achieve important developmental milestones.

Learning knows no bounds at The Arc as it seeks to develop each child in a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment.

Technology has advanced significantly over the last few decades, and new adaptive equipment has been created to help improve the lives of those with disabilities.

The Arc wants to provide an outdoor play space with the most advanced offerings for children with different mobility, emotional, neurological, and intellectual disabilities. The goal is to build an inclusive and accessible area with sensory-rich play spaces where all can connect, play, and grow together by this Summer.

Fundraising efforts will continue, and construction is expected to begin in the Spring.

Find out how to support the Arc’s Playground Renovation Project.