Skippack, PA – On Wednesday, May 2, 2018, members of The H&K Group (H&K) attended the unveiling and dedication of the #POCONOMTNS Inclusive Playground project at Pocono Raceway; now the first motorsports facility in the world to be sensory inclusive.
Jim Haines, Chief Operating Officer at The H&K Group was approached by Nick Igdalsky, Pocono Raceway CEO to get H&K involved in this monumental project by donating materials to the playground. H&K was more than willing to donate both time and materials to the Inclusive Playground given their strong history with both Pocono Raceway and Autism. H&K ultimately donated stone, grading, seeding and landscaping to help Pocono Raceway achieve their goal of completing this new park prior to running of the Pocono 400 on June 3, 2018. The #POCONOMTNS Inclusive Playground was designed for children of all ages and abilities to learn, grow and play together.
From 2007 through 2017, H&K held a Rock & Roll Ride for Autism and Spina Bifida, which was an annual motorcycle tour that began at H&K’s corporate office and ended at Pocono Raceway for the participants to take laps around the track and ultimately raise awareness and support for Autism. Also, in 1995 and again in 2011, H&K preformed total raceway track reconstruction and paving of Pocono Raceway.
This sensory inclusive playground project began when Pocono Raceway announced a partnership with KultureCity, a nonprofit organization based in Birmingham, Alabama, with the mission of inspiring the community to join in creating a world where all autistic individuals can be accepted, included and fulfill their potential. KultureCity will assist Pocono Raceway to promote a positive experience for all guests and fans with sensory issues that visit the racetrack throughout the year.
For those suffering with Autism one of the major issues is sensitivity to over stimulation and noise. With its new certification, Pocono Raceway will be better prepared to assist guests with sensory sensitivities in having the most comfortable and accommodating experience possible. Now at Pocono Raceway, individuals with sensory issues will have the following available for their use; sensory bags, equipped with noise cancelling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards and weighted lap pads will also be available to all guests who may feel overwhelmed by the environment. Fans will also have access to two dedicated sensory rooms, one located behind the Grandstand and one located in the Infield, for those who may need a quieter and more secure environment.
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construction and building materials and
associated ancillary services through 85 operations in three states including eastern PA, NJ and DE. Further information on H&K Group, Inc. or The H&K Group Family of Companies may be found by pointing your browser to
www.hkgroup.com or calling 610.584.8500.