Important co-project with the City, Sherwood Community Services and Lake Stevens Rotary.
Lake Stevens, WA- On May 14, 2025, National Apraxia Awareness Day, the City of Lake Stevens will come together to celebrate the installation of communication boards at three local playgrounds. These boards were made possible by donations from Sherwood Community Services and Lake Stevens Rotary. The ribbon cutting ceremony will took place at 4:30 pm at Lundeen Park, marking a significant step towards inclusivity and accessibility in our city.These communication boards are designed to allow individuals of all abilities to communicate with each other, regardless of language barriers or non-verbal communication styles. They will provide individuals with apraxia and other speech disorders a way to express themselves and engage in play with others.
Apraxia is a neurological disorder that disrupts the brain's ability to plan and execute purposeful movements, even when the muscles are functioning properly. It can affect various aspects of movement, including speech, and is not due to weakness or paralysis.
The communication boards will help with Apraxia of speech and Buccofacial/Orofacial, which affects an individual's ability to communicate effectively. It can make it difficult or impossible for individuals to speak, leaving them frustrated and isolated. The communication boards will facilitate communication for individuals who are non-verbal communicators, as well as those who speak different languages. In recognition of our diverse population and helping to foster communication and play for everyone, the City of Lake Stevens has installed communication boards at Lundeen Park, Frontier Heights Park, and North Cove Park.
The ribbon cutting ceremony at Lundeen Park, located at 10020 Lundeen Park Way, Lake Stevens, WA 98258, will be a momentous occasion for our community. Local officials, community members, and families affected by Apraxia will be in attendance to celebrate this important step towards inclusivity. "We are excited to see communication boards being installed at three local playgrounds," said Brett Gailey, Lake Stevens Mayor. "This is an important step towards creating an inclusive community where everyone can feel welcome and included."
The ribbon cutting is open to the public and members of the press are invited to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony at Lundeen Park on May 14, 2025, at 4:30 pm. This event is an opportunity to raise awareness about Apraxia and celebrate the strides we are making towards a more inclusive community. For more information about the ribbon cutting ceremony or the communication boards, please contact Jill Meis at jmeis@lakestevenswa.gov.
The City of Lake Stevens, Wash. (pop. 41,260) is located 36 miles north of Seattle in Snohomish County. The City shares the name of the lake it surrounds and is nestled between the beautiful Cascade Range and Puget Sound. The city’s vision is to be “one community around the lake” with a vibrant economy, modern infrastructure, and exceptional quality of life for residents and businesses alike. More information about Lake Stevens can be found at www.lakestevenswa.gov.
The City of Lake Stevens, Wash. (pop. 41,260) is located 36 miles north of Seattle in Snohomish County. The City shares the name of the lake it surrounds and is nestled between the beautiful Cascade Range and Puget Sound. The city’s vision is to be “one community around the lake” with a vibrant economy, modern infrastructure, and exceptional quality of life for residents and businesses alike. More information about Lake Stevens can be found at www.lakestevenswa.gov.
Come join us for this exciting partnership.