GOSHEN – Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus has announced that the Orange County Think Differently Committee, in partnership with 3-21 OCNY, the Autism Move-A-Thon of Orange County, Zylofone and Mental Health Association in Orange County, Inc. will host a Walk in the Park and Scavenger Hunt on Saturday, March 21st.
The event will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (rain or shine) at the Graham M. Skea Lodge at Thomas Bull Memorial Park, located on 211 Route 416 in Campbell Hall. The registration fee is $5 per person or $20 (max) per family. Pre-registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Admission will be collected at the door upon arrival.
“I look forward to attending the Walk in the Park and Scavenger Hunt and spending some time with the many families who participate,” Neuhaus said. “I’m always supportive of events like this that are inclusive of all individuals, regardless of the challenges they might face. We must take the time to consider how we all relate to our neighbors of every ability. Please join us for some fresh air and a fun morning.”
The second annual sensory-friendly and family-oriented event will include a music and movement session led by Zylofone, a non-profit organization that provides performing arts workshops to the special needs community and senior citizens. Guests are encouraged to bring their favorite joke or riddle with them to share.
A lunch of pizza, water, and desserts will be provided (or you can bring your own). Guests are encouraged to dress appropriately for the walk in the park, the scavenger hunt and the bonfire (weather permitting). The event coincides with World Down Syndrome Awareness Day, which encourages communities throughout the world to help raise awareness about Down syndrome, what it means to have Down syndrome, and how people with Down syndrome play a vital role in our lives and communities.
The date for WDSD was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome. Through its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, Orange County has supported accessibility initiatives by funding ADA projects at Tommie McDuffie Park in Blooming Grove, the Village Park in Cornwall, Brook Lake Park in Town of Highlands, Benedict Park in the Town of Montgomery, the Winslow Therapeutic Riding Center in the Town of Warwick, and Sally’s Dream Playground, located at Thomas Bull Memorial Park in Hamptonburgh.
The “Think Differently” committee has worked to expand upon these initiatives and create new ones throughout the County.
To register to attend the Walk in the Park and Scavenger Hunt, please call 845-615-3831 or e-mail Tom at TQuinlisk@orangecountygov.com.
