By City Manager Ken Striplin
The City of Santa Clarita is a strong community, where everyone is seen, heard and celebrated, and among the many groups that help make our City incredible is our special needs community. These residents, and their families, teach us what it means to be resilient, joyful and full of life. To pay tribute to the strength and spirit of Santa Clarita’s special needs community, this Sunday, May 4 from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m., come to West Creek Park (24247 Village Circle Drive) for our fourth annual FestAbility event (formerly known as Free to be Me). This free event, presented by UCLA Health, is open to all and designed to honor individuals with disabilities.
FestAbility will feature a wide variety of engaging and accessible activities. Attendees will have free range to explore West Creek Park’s fully inclusive play structure, which includes ramps and innovative equipment like the We-Go-Swing, We-Go-Round and a roller slide, which is thoughtfully constructed entirely of steel and aluminum versus plastic. This protects individuals with cochlear implants by removing static electricity. Inclusion aides will also be present throughout the day to provide live instruction and support for those using the equipment.
For those who enjoy creative expression and physical activity, there will be accessible arts and crafts stations, as well as opportunities to participate in adaptive sports, including basketball, soccer, dance and cheerleading. Live performances will also take place throughout the event, featuring talented groups such as Dance Studio 84, Bright Star Martial Arts, Include Everyone Project, Major Impact Theater and Pro Wrestling Odyssey, who will bring out a full wrestling ring for demonstrations that you won’t want to miss.
Animal lovers can spend time with Nigerian Dwarf Goats and miniature donkeys from SRD Straightening Reins Foundation, as well as friendly therapy dogs from Giving Paws and Guide Dogs of America/Tender Loving Canines. Additional hands-on experiences include a community drum circle, face painting, active storytelling sessions hosted by the Santa Clarita Public Library and a Touch a Truck exhibit where families can explore real emergency and service vehicles.
Entertainment will be everywhere with stilt walkers, costumed characters and special appearances by popular Star Wars characters, creating unforgettable moments for guests of all ages. A specially-designed Chill Zone will also be available for those in need of a quiet, sensory-friendly space during the event. If you get hungry, enjoy a selection of local food trucks, including Bomb Burger and Birreria El Patron. Free parking is available onsite, with additional parking provided at Rio Norte Junior High School.
For more information, please visit SantaClarita.gov/FestAbility, or contact the City’s Arts and Events Office at (661) 250-3787 or aeo@santaclarita.gov. I hope to see you all there.
Ken Striplin is the City Manager for the City of Santa Clarita and can be reached at kstriplin@santaclarita.gov.
