Room to Run, Space to Grow: CCHAT's New Playground Is Open

At the CCHAT Center, learning doesn't stop when students step outside. The playground has always been an extension of the classroom - a place where children who are deaf and hard of hearing practice listening, build friendships, develop confidence, and simply enjoy being kids. On April 10, 2026, CCHAT celebrated a major milestone: the completion of a fully renovated playground, brought to life through the generosity of the Beneto Foundation and the dedicated work of our project partners.

A Long-Awaited Transformation

For years, CCHAT's playground has been the backdrop for countless moments of joy, learning, and connection. Generations of students have raced across its surface, swung toward the sky, and filled the space with the kind of enthusiastic, whole-hearted play that only children can bring. That level of love, and the hard, happy use that comes with it, had taken its toll. Cracked and uneven asphalt, a broken swing set, limited shade, and an invasive tree whose roots had damaged the activity path made it difficult for children to fully enjoy and benefit from outdoor time, especially during warmer months. For children who are deaf and hard of hearing, who frequently face balance challenges, an uneven surface was more than an inconvenience. It was a safety concern.

That has all changed. Thanks to a transformational grant from the Beneto Foundation, CCHAT's playground has been completely reimagined, and the results speak for themselves.

What's New on the Playground

The renovation was a comprehensive, ground-up effort. Highlights of the completed project include:

A fresh, safe surface: Approximately 1,800 square feet of failed asphalt were removed and replaced with new concrete, level, smooth, and built to last. No more cracks, no more hazardous bumps. This work was completed by JB Bostick Company, with more than 55 years of experience creating durable, long-lasting results.

Shade structures: Two new cantilevered shade structures were installed over play equipment, along with a new shade canopy on an existing structure, all completed by Pacific Playground. CCHAT's metal slides, necessary to avoid static electricity that could interfere with students' hearing-assistive technology, can now be safely enjoyed even in warmer weather.

A new tree and cleared path: The invasive tree responsible for damaging the asphalt was removed, a new tree was planted in its place, and the surrounding area was excavated and leveled, opening up the space. Existing synthetic turf was also stretched and re-secured to meet the new concrete edge, creating a seamless and safe play environment throughout. This work was completed by Aronson Landscape. 

Painted play elements: Hopscotch, four-square, a bike track, and street signs were painted onto the new surface by Centerline Striping Company, bringing color, fun, and built-in opportunities for language and social development.

Why Outdoor Play Matters for Children Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing 

Recess is rarely just play. For children who are deaf and hard of hearing, the playground is a dynamic environment where listening and spoken language skills are put into real-world practice. Away from the structure of the classroom, children communicate spontaneously - negotiating games, calling to friends, working through the natural back-and-forth of childhood conversation. These moments are irreplaceable.

Outdoor time also supports the development of social skills that will carry children well beyond their years at CCHAT. Learning to form friendships, navigate group dynamics, and connect with peers through play builds the kind of confidence that helps children who are deaf and hard of hearing thrive when they transition into mainstream school settings, and throughout life.

Beyond language and social development, the playground supports physical well-being. CCHAT's outdoor space is also used for physical education and outdoor play, giving children space to develop coordination, balance, motor skills, and a healthy relationship with movement and exercise.

With a safe, shaded, and beautifully updated space, CCHAT students can now spend more days outside, maximizing every opportunity to grow.

A Day Worth Celebrating

On June 9th, CCHAT gathered to officially open the new playground with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Students, staff, project partners, and donors came together to mark the occasion in a joyful celebration that reflected exactly what this project is about: investing in the children who make CCHAT's mission so meaningful.

Thank You

CCHAT is deeply grateful to the Beneto Foundation for making this transformation possible. This investment goes far beyond concrete and shade structures; it expands what is possible for every child who steps outside each day. It is a reminder that when communities rally around children who are deaf and hard of hearing, remarkable things happen.

These upgrades are designed to foster listening and spoken language development as children who are deaf and hard of hearing play and engage with one another in a safe and inviting environment. Because at CCHAT, every moment, inside the classroom and out, is an opportunity to grow.

Interested in seeing the CCHAT Center for yourself? We would love to show you around. Contact Licia Green, Director of Development, to schedule a tour and experience firsthand the programs, staff, and spaces that make CCHAT such a special place for children who are deaf and hard of hearing and their families.