Event Recap: Uniquely You Community Connection Day-Ice Cream Social in the Park Uniquely You! Indy October 2025 Digital Issue

On Saturday, July 19, 2025, families and community members gathered at Independence Park in Greenwood, Indiana — the state’s first all-accessible playground — for an uplifting afternoon of connection, play, and celebration at the Uniquely You Community Connection Day – Ice Cream Social in the Park.

The event brought together children, parents, and community partners for two hours of fun, laughter, and meaningful connections. Families enjoyed the freedom of an inclusive playground designed for all abilities, while also meeting local organizations and resource partners dedicated to supporting the disability community.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DAYINCLUSIVE

Play: Guests explored Independence Park’s thoughtfully designed features, including wheelchair-accessible surfacing, sensory-friendly music areas, a zero-grade paved trail, and an interactive Yalp SONA arch — all made possible through the vision and care of Johnson County Parks and Recreation Community Support: Local resource partners and organizations shared valuable information and encouragement, helping families connect with tools, services, and

friendships in a warm and welcoming environment.

A Sweet Spotlight: One of the most memorable moments was the FREE ice cream served by Howdy Homemade Ice Cream (howdyindy.com), a missiondriven local shop that provides employment opportunities for adults

with developmental disabilities. Their team came out to serve delicious treats and plenty of smiles, demonstrating the beauty of inclusion in action.

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORSACHIEVE COMMUNITY SERVICES, INC.

Founded in 2020, Achieve Community Services offers personalized, community-based support through Indiana Medicaid Waiver programs like CIH (Community Integration and Habilitation) and FSW (Family Support Waiver) (acssupports.com). Their services include residential and day habilitation, behavior management, caregiver training, transportation, respite, and community transition — empowering individuals of all abilities to achieve their goals. They recently earned a three-year CARF accreditation, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to quality and accountability.

NEW BEGINNINGS BEHAVIOR INTERVENTION SERVICES (NEW BEGINNINGS BIS)

New Beginnings provides compassionate, evidence-based behavioral support for individuals facing behavioral challenges (newbeginningsbis.com). Their programs include behavior support,

participant assistance and care, community integration, skill development, and caregiver training. With a person-centered approach, they work to empower individuals and families under Indiana’s Medicaid Waiver programs.

Their generous sponsorship not only made the free ice cream possible, but also reinforced the values of empowerment, inclusion, and community integration.

Behind the Scenes: Venue & Park StewardshipIndependence Park, a 13.5-acre gem in White River Township, opened in 2000 through the collaboration of more than 200 businesses, civic groups, and individuals. The park underwent major upgrades in 2020 to maintain its accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring that families of all abilities can continue to enjoy its trails, play areas, and outdoor spaces.

Johnson County Parks and Recreation (jocoparks.com) oversees Independence Park as part of its mission

to develop, operate, and maintain outdoor spaces and programs that enrich lives while preserving green space for future generations.

IN SUMMARY

The Uniquely You Community Connection Day was a heartwarming celebration of inclusion, filled with joyful play, community partnerships, and delicious ice cream — all in a space designed with accessibility at its core.

A heartfelt thank you goes to Achieve Community Services, Inc. and New Beginnings BIS for sponsoring the ice cream, to Howdy Homemade Ice Cream for serving it with purpose, and to Johnson County Parks and Recreation for providing such a welcoming and inclusive venue at Independence Park

Together, you helped create not just an event, but a stronger sense of belonging. We are excited to continue building on these connections in the months and years ahead.