Columbia Co., Ga. — Commissioners are expected to approve the building of a new playground for kids with physical and mental disabilities. It would be located near an existing playground at the Columbia County Library. We spoke with parents of special needs children at a therapy facility in Martinez. “They think differently they learn differently they do things at a slower pace and if they had a specific playground designed for them then they would know it’s just for them,” said ThelmaBlocksom.  She has a sixteen year old son with aspergers and a three year old grandson who’s leg muscles didn’t develop fully. She said he would benefit from a special needs playground and wishes her son would have had one growing up. “We have other kids who run up slides and they’re trying to get up the slides or they’re trying to climb and the other kids will run them over,” Blocksom said. Blocksom brings her grandson to a rehabilitation center in Martinez called “Sensational Kids.” The owner,Dr. Susan Sahler, agrees the nearly 2,000 special needs children in Columbia County schools and the 60 she works with each week would benefit from the recreation area. “I think it would not only enhance the community but give kids an opportunity to get out and participate in a typical daily environment just like their non-disabled siblings and friends,” said Dr. Sahler. Plans for the $40,000 site include an adult safety swing, a wheel through arcade and free standing Music games. “They’re realizing these children do things differently and maybe by having their own area their own space then they can be themselves,” said Blocksom. We’re told if the $40,000 playground receives approval tonight,  it would be funded by SPLOST and private donations.