Architectural Cases

In many parks, children spend summer days laughing and playing with friends. However, for some kids who struggle with verbal expression, engaging in these simple joys can be difficult. Oak Island Park in Wausau has introduced a new resource designed to support children who face such communication barriers, making playtime more inclusive and enjoyable.

The newly installed communication board is intended to assist children who may not easily express their thoughts or feelings through speech. It provides visual symbols that allow kids to convey what they want to do or how they are feeling. For families like that of Makenna Simkowski, this innovation brings a meaningful opportunity for connection. Her mother, Katrina, explained how the board could help her daughter interact more confidently with other children during play.

Funded in part by the Channing’s Joy Foundation and approved by the Marathon County Parks and Rec Department, the project faced only minor delays due to production errors, which were quickly resolved. The department's director, Jamie Polley, expressed openness to expanding the initiative if it proves effective across the community. This step reflects a growing awareness of the diverse ways people communicate and how public spaces can evolve to meet different needs.

As communities become more aware of varying abilities, efforts like these show how small changes can lead to big improvements in quality of life. Encouraging understanding beyond spoken language promotes inclusivity and empathy. When parks and recreational areas embrace accessibility, they become places where every child can feel seen, heard, and valued—regardless of how they choose to express themselves.

In a bid to tackle both food insecurity and food waste, Jessamine County has launched an innovative initiative that connects surplus produce with those in need. The program, known as “Waste Not Want Not” or “WiN-WiN,” was developed by the University of Kentucky’s Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition. It encourages residents, gardeners, and farmers to donate fresh fruits and vegetables that would otherwise go unused. These donations are then distributed through local organizations such as Manna Meals, a community soup kitchen, and other food assistance programs. With one in five children and one in six adults facing food insecurity in Kentucky, the initiative is making strides in providing nutritious meals while reducing unnecessary waste. The program currently operates through seven drop-off locations across the county and aims to expand into neighboring areas in the future.

Local Collaboration Fuels Efforts Against Hunger and Waste

In the heart of Jessamine County, a collaborative effort is transforming how communities handle excess food. Spearheaded by the WiN-WiN Program under the guidance of Professor Dawn Brewer from the University of Kentucky, this initiative is gaining momentum by uniting home gardeners, local farms, and markets. Fresh produce that might have been discarded is now being collected at designated sites throughout the county, including St. Luke Catholic Church, Fitch’s IGA, and Bethel Harvest. Among the most active hubs is Manna Meals in Nicholasville, where weekly volunteer chefs creatively incorporate rescued ingredients into wholesome dishes for individuals struggling to afford fresh food. Diane Vetters of Clover Hilltop Farm expressed gratitude for the program, noting how recent heavy rains led to an unexpected surplus that could be shared rather than lost. As the movement grows, so does its impact on both hunger relief and sustainability.

As a journalist observing this initiative unfold, it's inspiring to witness how a straightforward concept—redirecting surplus food—can yield profound results. This program not only provides nourishment to those in need but also fosters a sense of shared responsibility within the community. It serves as a reminder that innovation doesn't always require high-tech solutions; sometimes, it simply takes thoughtful collaboration and a willingness to make better use of what we already have. Initiatives like WiN-WiN offer a blueprint for tackling complex social issues with practical, scalable strategies that benefit everyone involved.