At first, PARK365 was just a playground Kathryn Shapiro noticed while driving around the Rosedale neighborhood before she ever had kids of her own. But in the years since, the park and SOAR365 have become an essential part of her family’s life.
When her first son was born prematurely in 2021, Kathryn and her husband were navigating a world of new parenthood and unexpected medical needs. Their son required occupational therapy, and they found support through SOAR365’s Pediatric Therapy program. “It was a really positive experience,” Kathryn says. “As he got bigger, some of the sessions even happened at PARK365, where the therapist could guide him through real-life developmental activities like crawling and eventually climbing stairs.”
PARK365 Has Something for Everyone
That early connection to SOAR365 grew even stronger as their family did. Today, the Shapiros have three young children – two boys and a baby girl – and PARK365 is a near-daily destination.
Just a short walk from their home, the playground is not only convenient, but perfectly suited to their family’s needs. “There’s something for every age,” Kathryn explains. “My toddler can safely manage equipment by himself, my older son can explore bigger structures, and I can watch them both from one spot.”
But what makes PARK365 special isn’t just the range of activities, it’s the design and intention behind it. The fully fenced-in, all-abilities park allows children of all backgrounds and developmental stages to play side by side. “I’ve seen my son strike up conversations with other kids on the playground, including kids with different abilities, and it opens the door to great conversations,” she says. “The world isn’t cookie-cutter, kids learn and play differently. PARK365 gives every child a chance to just be a kid.”
That sense of inclusion extends beyond the playground equipment. Kathryn has seen how the park fosters kindness, flexibility, and awareness. “If a child who’s older needs the baby swing, no one questions it. Parents just seem to get it. There’s this unspoken understanding that everyone belongs here.”
Park365: A Treasured Community Resource
Over the years, the park has also become a hub for community connection. From spontaneous playdates with familiar neighbors to birthday parties for half the preschool class, Kathryn says PARK365 is the place to be. “It’s such a resource, not just for our family, but for the whole community.”
Even now that their son’s therapy sessions are done, the Shapiros stay engaged with SOAR365 through email updates, neighborhood banners, and friends who are part of the organization. Kathryn encourages anyone curious about the services SOAR365 offers to reach out. “Everyone I’ve interacted with has been unbelievably friendly and helpful. Even if SOAR365 isn’t the exact fit for your needs, they’ll go above and beyond to help you get connected with the right support.”
From therapy to playground fun, from toddler milestones to meaningful friendships, the Shapiros’ story reflects the mission at the heart of PARK365: a space where everyone can play, grow, and feel at home.
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