YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Just in time for the upcoming school year, the Potential Development School for students with autism has opened a new sensory-friendly playground at their elementary/middle school location. 

School officials and regional chamber representatives formally opened the playground and several new classrooms Thursday. 

"We are constantly looking for new ways to better serve our students. In addition to education, we want to provide students with a typical experience as much as possible. We do things with extracurricular that include field trips, Special Olympics, bowling, basketball, and track," said Paul Garchar, Potential Development Executive Director. 

Potential Development has 90 students entering their elementary school this year who will be able to enjoy the new playground thanks to several grants from the Hine Memorial Fund and the Handel and Helms Foundation.  

The playground is located in the school's parking lot and is specifically tailored for children with autism.