Fall River father built sensory playground for daughter, his next goal, one for the City of Fall River

When his daughter needed a playground to fit her needs, a Fall River father took matters into his own hands, and he hasn’t stopped there.

Marcel Riley, a full-time maintenance man at Bay Village Apartments, was disheartened a few years ago when the city removed the playground equipment at Abbott Court Park due to safety concerns and never replaced it. At the time, he adapted by taking his young daughter, who is autistic and non-verbal, to other sensory-friendly spaces. After her mother was diagnosed with stage 4 lung and brain cancer, however, traveling to those places became a serious challenge. So, he decided to do something about it.

Marcel Riley With Daughter

Riley built a sensory playground in his backyard and after community support, what started as a personal project for his daughter has become something much bigger.

With the backing of community members, Marcel is now advocating for a full-scale public sensory park to replace the former Abbott Court playground.

“I’ve launched a petition, gathered support letters, developed concept art, and am currently working on grant applications to make this vision a reality. This park wouldn’t just benefit my daughter — it would serve hundreds of local children with autism, sensory processing disorders, and other developmental needs. It would also be the first sensory-friendly park of its kind in Fall River.”

Rendering

Riley envisions adaptive swings, calming spaces, soft ground and visual, tactile, and auditory sensory features. A safe place for kids with autism or sensory processing needs to explore freely.

“This isn’t about just play — it’s about accessibility, dignity, learning and belonging. Help me convince the City of Fall River that this matters. Let’s turn that empty lot into something powerful. Something healing. Something fun.”

If you are interested in signing Marcel’s petition, click here.