The joyful sounds of children laughing, popcorn popping, and music filled the air as The Arc Lane County hosted its biennial carnival at The Arc Park. Comcast volunteers came out alongside other community partners for the occasion, joining families and youth of all ages and abilities for a day of free games, activities, treats, and entertainment for the community.
This carnival marks the second time the event has been held at The Arc Park, an accessible play space still under construction. Carnival games in and around the newly finished Comcast Amphitheater provided a perfect backdrop for the festivities. As part of our ongoing community engagement, Comcast volunteers played an integral role in making the day special for all attendees, with Comcast hosting one of the carnival’s activities.
Sami Blake, a Comcast Community Account Professional, reflected on her experience volunteering at the event. “Almost 10 years ago, I got to volunteer at The Arc of Lane County as part of a Comcast Cares day event where we helped build their fence, put together play structures, and more. Being able to volunteer here again a decade later was such a blessing, seeing how this space has transformed so much into an inviting place for the youth in the area. Being thanked for our partnership by staff and families that day felt great, and I truly feel proud to be a Comcaster.”
Comcast has long been a valued partner to The Arc Lane County, supporting their mission to provide services and advocacy for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Pam Ring, the executive director of The Arc Lane County, expressed her gratitude for the community’s ongoing support: “We love hosting the carnival on even-numbered years. It is our way of giving back to a community that is so generous to us.”
The Arc Lane County continues its work toward building a fully inclusive and accessible park, with a $2.5 million capital campaign underway to fund the project. The Arc Park will provide a space where individuals of all abilities can play, explore, and connect with others in an environment designed to foster independence and interdependence.
For more information about The Arc Lane County and their ongoing projects, including the Arc Park, visit www.thearclane.org.
