ZELIENOPLE — Work on the new autism-friendly playground for Glade Run Lutheran Services is slated for a Nov. 18 completion, agency officials said.

The 1.2-acre playground will be designed to encourage a more calming atmosphere with natural settings for those on the autism spectrum.

Glade Run will have landscaping installed, which will include trees, grass and shrubbery. Even the playground’s oval-shaped design can promote a comfortable atmosphere.

“While every child will enjoy the playground, those with autism will benefit from this safe and appropriate play and learning space,” said Sheila Talarico, executive director of the Glade Run Foundation.

About 270 youths from St. Stephen’s Lutheran Academy are expected to use the playground.

Certain colors and patterns will be chosen and play areas will be designated by different auditory levels for those with hearing sensitivities.

The park will be fenced with only one or two entrances for security purposes.

Activities that encourage social development, motor skills, balance, coordination and movement will be available.

Although the playground is focused on accommodating those on the autism spectrum, it will be open to the public. Restrooms, shelters and picnic tables will be available.

“The sensory park and playground is one of the first of its kind nationwide, so there is nothing like it in Butler County, or even in Pennsylvania,” Talarico said.

The park and playground cost about $75,000 and was funded through individual, corporate and foundation gifts through a campaign and supplemented with a portion of the campus-transformation loan.

The sensory playground is part of Glade Run’s campus-transformation project, which aims to create a safer and more inviting campus.

The campus transformation in its first phase saw the razing of old, unused buildings, including an old orphanage building and chapel, constructed in 1890 as well as the campus’s first building, a directors building and school constructed in 1853. The phase also included demolition of roads, the completion of a new residential building for youth, a new entrance, new roads and new parking lots and landscaping, including new fencing for the agency’s animal program.

Land has been cleared and prepped for Jeremiah Village.

Talarico said construction of Jeremiah Village is on hold as Glade Run applies for tax credits that will make the apartments more affordable for the individuals who will live there.