Kuching to have dedicated playground for children with autism by this Christmas

KUCHING (Aug 23): Children with autism will soon have a dedicated space to play, as Sarawak’s first autism-friendly playground is set to be completed just in time for Christmas this December.

Located at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Palmarium Park, the RM485,800 project will be the first to be monitored by the newly established Kuching South Child Council members in collaboration with MBKS management, said Kuching South mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng.

“I’m pleased to announce that we are now officially handing over this site to the awarded contractor. With their expertise and commitment, they will bring to life the vision we have set forth for this playground.

“Today marks not just the celebration of an idea, but the beginning of its realisation. The contractor will commence construction, ensuring that every element is built to the highest standards, with the safety, happiness and well-being of our children at the heart of the project.

“We’ve given the contractor four months to complete the project, but with the year-end rainy season approaching, we hope it can be finished earlier, ideally before Christmas, so it can be a special gift for the kids,” he told reporters after the site handover ceremony yesterday.

According to Wee, the playground, which is yet to be named, has been carefully designed to provide a safe and welcoming environment where neurodiverse children, particularly those with autism, can play, explore and grow in a space tailored to their needs.

He noted that some children with autism experience sensory processing disorders, making them more sensitive to loud noises, bright lights, or certain textures and smells.

These challenges can make even the simplest activities feel overwhelming and, to some extent, painful.

“For many children with autism, the typical playground can be a place of overwhelming sensations and difficulties.

“It is with this understanding that we have created this special space – a playground designed not just for fun, but for inclusivity, acceptance and support,” he added.

Meanwhile, Kuching Autistic Association president Dr Catherine Chen emphasised that a SAFE (sensory rich, autism-friendly, fun, and engaging) environment is crucial for the playground.

“By playing in an autism-friendly playground, both children and adults with autism can enjoy the facility, which will help boost their self-esteem, engage their senses during play, provide a safe space for self-expression and exploration, and allow families to spend time together, both with their own and other autism families.

“It will also serve as a space for them to learn to adapt to change,” she said.

Key features of the playground include perimeter fencing with gates at either end to prevent wandering and ensure safety, a quiet area for calming down, various activities to develop gross motor skills such as balancing, climbing, jumping and crawling, and shaded areas to keep the playground comfortable.

“We hope this playground will offer a welcoming space for children and adults with autism to relax, develop skills, play together, and enable families to bond.

“I am very grateful to MBKS for coming up with this project, and I am sure it will greatly benefit our community,” she added.