Community

An “influenza virus infection” claimed the life of a fifth Santa Clara County resident earlier this month. County officials are recommending those who haven’t already received the flu vaccination to do so, according to an announcement from the Public Health Department.

A local couple who have devoted their careers to educating children and young adults are now on a mission to bring a playground for children with special needs to Morgan Hill.Ron Locicero and his wife Shirlee started this effort about 18 months ago, and they continue to push forth in the planning and fundraising effort to provide a park within the city limits designed specifically for developmentally disabled kids. They don’t expect significant public funding for the project, but they are eyeing a section of the city’s Community Park on West Edmundson Avenue as the future site for an inclusive playground.“My wife and I are both former teachers. We both believed this was one of the things we would like to see done in Morgan Hill for the children,” Ron Locicero said. He taught high school and junior college for 41 years, while Shirlee taught elementary school for 30 years—starting out with special education classes. Ron also holds his Master’s degree in education. The couple have lived in Morgan Hill for about 34 years.“We’ve come across quite a few people in Morgan Hill that have an interest in making this successful,” Ron said.The couple and a small group of volunteers they have solicited have researched inclusive playgrounds throughout the state, Ron said.Along with specially designed play equipment, Ron would like to see the inclusive playground host more interactive amenities at a Morgan Hill site, such as an arts and crafts area where volunteers could help the kids with their creations, musical instruments, a children’s garden, sand and water features and even a petting zoo.City and Morgan Hill Unified School District officials have voiced their support for the effort, said Ron, who is now a real estate agent and a Morgan Hill Parks and Recreation Commissioner. He and other volunteers hope to go to the city and formally request a site and begin the planning process by the end of September.Morgan Hill resident Claudia Rossi, who has been a persistent advocate for special needs education programs while serving as an elected board of education trustee, said she is excited to hear the push for an inclusive playground is gaining ground.Rossi’s son was diagnosed with autism in second grade. She said one of his challenges as a youngster was discovering activities and places to play like other kids his age.“As a parent (you’re) trying to find a place in the world for them where they are comfortable being themselves and feel welcome. I am delighted and deeply moved that there would be an effort around this part of a child’s life, which is ‘How do I play, (and) how do I interact with others?’ I think it’s wonderful,” said Rossi, who is a Santa Clara County Office of Education trustee.The Lociceros and a core group of about 15 volunteers are holding regular community meetings to discuss and plan the playground, every second and fourth Wednesday of the month. The next meeting will take place 6:30 p.m. July 22 at the Community Park. Anyone from the public who wants to help out or volunteer their expertise can attend.For more information about the effort to bring an inclusive playground to Morgan Hill, call or email Ron Locicero at [email protected] or (408) 710-0570, or visit the website morganhillplayground.org.

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