SALINAS VALLEY — Community leaders gathered last week at Soledad’s Orchard Lane Park to celebrate the installation of new Inclusive Communication Boards in parks throughout South Monterey County, a regional effort aimed at making public spaces more accessible for residents with communication differences.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the completion of an initiative funded through a sponsorship from Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez. The project brought custom communication boards to parks in Gonzales, Soledad, Greenfield and King City.
The boards, sometimes known as “talk to me” boards, use symbols and pictures to help children and adults who are non-verbal, neurodivergent or have speech-language impairments communicate with peers and caregivers. The new signs are now located at Central Park in Gonzales, Orchard Lane Park and Vosti Park in Soledad, Patriot Park in Greenfield and San Lorenzo Park in King City.
During the July 20 ceremony, Soledad Councilmember Fernando Cabrera reflected on how the regional project came together after he approached Lopez with the idea.
“Not even 10 minutes into the presentation, he said, ‘All right, I’m in. But we are going to do this for all four cities of South County.’ And that for me was very touching. He touched my heart. Not that many people take the time to say we can do this for all of our residents. I want to thank Supervisor Lopez for that,” Cabrera said.
Jessica Olmedo, recreation coordinator and administrative analyst for the City of Gonzales, highlighted how the boards can help build awareness throughout the community, beyond their role as a communication tool.
“Communication boards not only provide an inclusive tool for individuals who may have communication differences, but they also serve as an opportunity to foster curiosity and awareness within the community,” Olmedo explained. “People who may not be familiar with what communication boards are may be encouraged to ask questions and learn more about them. In that way, I hope these boards can help spark meaningful conversations and leave community members with a greater understanding of what inclusivity means.”
Sophia Zapata, an applied behavior analyst with Breath Through Behavior, pointed to the need for additional resources for local families.
“We have such a huge need for services in South County and having a board at a park where there’s kids of all abilities is a great step,” Zapata said.
Greenfield Mayor Bob White emphasized the importance of creating playgrounds where all children can participate.
“Playgrounds are essential amenities … but for children who are non-verbal, have speech delays or face language barriers, playing with peers can sometimes feel isolating,” White said. “Thanks to the leadership and generosity from Monterey County District 3 Supervisor Chris Lopez, this donation (expands) the inclusivity of our parks.”
Lopez said the project reflects a continued effort to remove barriers and ensure children feel included in their communities. He added that it was made possible through County of Monterey funding and thanked Cabrera for bringing the idea forward.
“Every child should know that our parks are built for them and these signs are one more way that families are going to feel that, not just as words but as a commitment,” Lopez said. “We need to continue to make sure that every opportunity we get we invest in making sure that every child in our community is included, at the playground, in schools and beyond.”
