A Place for Every Voice

New communication board helps make a Derry playground more accessible and inclusive

October 4, 2026

A simple conversation sparked a meaningful addition to the Derry community.

On Sunday, October 11, the Town of Derry will celebrate the grand opening of a new communication board at Don Ball Park, helping create a more accessible and inclusive space for children, adults, and families of all abilities.

The idea began when Melinda Mafera, Recreation Coordinator for the Town of Derry Parks & Recreation Department and Local Program Coordinator for the Derry Recreation Timberwolves, met a new volunteer playing Santa at the town’s Very Derry Holiday event.

That volunteer, Mike Phillips, works with Community Crossroads, an organization that supports individuals with differing abilities. During their conversation, Melinda shared her ongoing goal of making Derry’s parks more accessible, and the idea for a communication board quickly took shape.

“I have always been a strong proponent of equality and acceptance,” said Mafera. “This was a wonderful opportunity for my two worlds to collide. As the coordinator for the Parks and Recreation Department and the Local Program Coordinator for our Special Olympics team, I was excited for this opportunity.”

Working together with Phillips, Community Crossroads, and Derry Parks & Recreation Director Kim Walsh, the project moved quickly from concept to reality. After meeting at Don Ball Park to identify the best location, the board was designed and installed to serve the many families who visit the park throughout the year.

The board is located at one of Derry’s busiest recreation destinations, home to numerous sports programs and a popular summer splash pad. Designed to support individuals with communication challenges, it provides a way for users to express needs, feelings, and ideas while interacting with others at the playground.

“I think this type of resource is invaluable to anyone in our community and beyond,” said Mafera. “This board will make our playground that much more accessible to anyone, no matter their age, to have a voice, express their feelings, and be heard.”

The impact is already being felt among members of the Derry Timberwolves program.

“My athletes were very excited to hear about this communication board,” Mafera said. “They were excited to have a place to bring friends who may have difficulty communicating. The more people know about this resource, the more families will feel comfortable coming to the park because it is more inclusive.”

For Mafera, the project demonstrates that meaningful inclusion does not always require a major investment. Sometimes, it starts with a simple commitment to ensuring everyone feels welcome.

“I am so very proud to be a part of this wonderful addition to our community,” she said. “This communication board is for everyone, every single child and adult, and all those ages in between.”

As the Derry community gathers to celebrate the grand opening, Mafera hopes the project inspires others to think about accessibility in their own communities.

“I hope people take away how rewarding it is to be inclusive,” she said. “And how easily that can be accomplished if you just ask the questions and put one foot in front of the other.”

Join the Celebration

Community members are invited to attend the communication board’s grand opening on October 11 and help celebrate another step toward building a more inclusive Derry for everyone.