More Ways to Communicate. More Ways to Play.

Playgrounds are places where children connect, explore, and play together—but not every child communicates using spoken words.

Playground communication boards use thoughtfully selected words and picture symbols that children can point to as they communicate. They can help a child say things like “play,” “help,” “stop,” “I want,” or “I feel,” making it easier to express needs, connect with others, and participate more fully in play.

These boards can be especially meaningful for minimally speaking and nonspeaking children, children who use AAC, autistic children, children with language delays, and those who benefit from visual supports. They can also support young children and multilingual families, creating a more communication-friendly space for everyone.

The Third Space was founded by a pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist and the parent of a neurodivergent child. Through our work with local families, we have seen how impactful visual communication tools can be—especially in shared community spaces.

We’re excited to share that we have received approval to install a new communication board in a Saratoga Springs park. Now we need our community’s help to make it happen.

Our goal is to raise $3,000 to cover:

Approximately $2,700 for the customized, weather-resistant communication board and mounting frame
Approximately $300 for professional installation

Every donation brings us closer to creating a playground where more children can communicate, connect, and feel that they belong.

Help The Third Space bring more ways to communicate—and more ways to play—to our community.

The Third Space Communication Board Project

Help us raise $3,000 to expand communication to East Side Rec Park,