Colts Neck Lions Club Seeks Donations for 'Sensory Den' At Park

COLTS NECK, NJ - The local Lions Club is raising money to extend Challenger Place at Dorbrook Park, a universally accessible play area that provides for children at all levels of play to enjoy the comraderie and sense of accomplishment at the Route 537 recreational facility.

The playground opened in June 2004 and includes elevated surfaces that are accessible to those in wheelchairs and Braille signs for individuals who are visually impaired. Each of the three play structures has areas where children of varied abilities can play together. The Lions Club has been particularly devoted to causes helping the visually impaired and blind.

The current aim is to create a sensory den at Challenger Place. Lions Club President Justin Lotano told the website centraljersey.com the idea for a sensory den arose from a Lions International query about a large project to celebrate the organization’s 100th anniversary.

The sensory den would give children multi-sensory stimulation and exercise, Lotano explained. The Lions Club website indicates ‘sensory’ describes different playground features; many of the items being added involve senses other than the visual.“Musical instruments like xylophones and drums will enhance this space," he said. "In addition to these and other audible features, we also will be including misting columns.

"Although the equipment and features are specially designed for children who are blind or visually impaired, we are confident they will appeal to all children who visit the playground, including children in our community," according to the Lions site. "Interaction among children of all abilities is beneficial to all.'

The club’s goal is to have the sensory den completed by Spring 2018. The estimated cost is $125,000 and about $35,000 has been raised thus far, Lions said.

Thus far, the Lions have used word of mouth to get the message out, and by seeking grants and by hosting fundraisers. The Colts Neck Business Association is among those organizations and individuals who have donated to the sensory den.

“A lot of our fund-raising efforts are for projects and foundations that are out of town," Lotano said. "This would be a cause people can drive by. It is something tangible we can be proud of."

Donations for the sensory den may be sent to the Lions Club, P.O. Box 284, Colts Neck, NJ 07722.

Challenger Place was a joint venture of the Monmouth County Park System and Challenged Youth Sports, Middletown, and is the first universally integrated playground in New Jersey, according to the park system’s website.

In Colts Neck, the Lions Club collects and recycles eyeglasses, and provides health services that include eye exams, blood pressure and diabetes screenings, and hearing tests. New members are welcome.

The Lions Club is raising money for more equipment at Challenger Place, the first universally accessible park in New Jersey. Photograph by Chris Cone/Associated Press.