In honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Month
WHERE IT BEGAN
October invites us to reflect on what inclusion truly means—not as a slogan, but as a practice of care, compassion, and thoughtful design.
This month, as we celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month, I want to share the personal story that inspired the Safe Parks Plus Initiative—a project rooted in love, urgency, and the belief that every child deserves the chance to play freely and safely.
The story began one golden summer afternoon. A dear friend from high school came to visit, bringing her son, who lives with Down syndrome. The day was radiant—sunlight danced across our hill, ducks skimmed the neighborhood pond, and the nearby park shimmered with the laughter of children.
As we laughed and reminisced about our youth in Michigan, her son’s curiosity took hold. In an instant, he dashed down the hill toward the playground. My heart seized. Neither of us—both fifty and far from fast—could catch him. I looked left toward the pond, right toward the street, and fears rose like a wave.
Later that evening, I searched for fenced playgrounds in Noblesville—safe spaces where children could run and play without danger. There were none. Not one. I searched for enclosed playgrounds in neighboring communities–there were none. Coincidentally, I found a handful of newly developed dog parks, but nothing for our children.
That realization planted the seed for what I would later name the Safe Parks Plus initiative.
“Sometimes advocacy begins not in a boardroom, but in a backyard.”
FROM FEAR TO ADVOCACY
In the months that followed, I shared my experience and the request to anyone that would listen, but it would take over a year to get my proposal in the right hands. It may have been a moment of frustration that led me to send my proposal to the Noblesville Mayor’s Office, the Director of Parks, and the Noblesville Parks Foundation. My request was simple: install a secure fence around at least one playground to protect children who elope—those who may suddenly wander or bolt from safety.
The best part is that my proposal was heard and welcomed – and work is in fact underway to have one (possibly more) Noblesville park offer an enclosed playground.
The statistics behind the proposal were sobering. Nearly 49% of children with autism attempt to wander from a safe setting after age four. Of those incidents, 24% involve water, and 71% of fatal outcomes are due to drowning. Children with autism are estimated to be 160 times more likely to die by drowning than their neurotypical peers. (Sources: National Autism Association, CDC, Autism Society, WebMD.)
While data for the Down syndrome community is less comprehensive, clinicians at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia estimate that nearly one in four families report wandering incidents—especially when a child also has autism or communication challenges. For many families, even simple outings come with constant vigilance and fear. (Source: CHOP, “When Your Special Needs Child Wanders.”)
“Inclusion isn’t a slogan—it’s a fence, a ramp, a quiet zone, a thoughtful choice.”
A VISION FOR SAFE, INCLUSIVE PLAY
The heart of Safe Parks Plus is not fear—it’s freedom.
It’s about creating spaces where every child can explore, laugh, and belong. Where caregivers can exhale, knowing that safety is built into the design.
When I meet with community event planners, architects, or nonprofit leaders, I often ask one guiding question: What would prevent someone from being here?
That question should shape how we design parks, trails, events, and public spaces.
- If you’re planning a marathon, could you create a flat route for participants with mobility challenges?
- If your event includes loud music, could you offer noise-reducing headphones or a quiet area?
- If your playground sits near water, could a simple fence prevent a tragedy?
- Inclusion doesn’t always require a large budget. It often begins with awareness, empathy, and imagination.
For families raising children living with Down syndrome, autism, or other developmental differences, even small design details can make a world of difference. A fence isn’t just a barrier—it’s a bridge to peace of mind. It allows children to run, caregivers to rest, and families to belong.
“For me, this work is a form of stewardship—caring for the spaces where all children should be able to laugh, explore, and grow.”
OUR COMMUNITY NEEDS ADVOCATES
Noblesville is a city known for its beauty and sense of community. My hope is that it will also become known for accessibility, inclusion, and safety.
If you believe in this vision, here are small but meaningful steps you can take:
- Share this post to raise awareness.
- Ask your local parks department how they design for inclusion.
- Advocate for fences, sensory-friendly zones, and accessible routes.
- Start conversations about who might be missing from your public spaces.
“Advocacy often begins with a single question—and one determined voice.”
A VISION FOR THE FUTURE
My vision is that every city will have its own Safe Parks Plus—a place where safety and freedom coexist, and where every child can play, belong, and thrive.
Marya Patrice Sherron is a dedicated advocate, a proud mother of two incredible children with disabilities, and a valued member of The Arc of Indiana’s Board of Directors.
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