WARREN — A city committee on Thursday endorsed installing a new communication board at Packard Park to help children with autism and other nonverbal individuals better express their needs through pictures and symbols.

Carrie Biery, founder of the Logan’s Landing Project, presented the board to the Education Committee led by Councilman Michael Shrodek, D-5th Ward, with Councilwoman Tina Milner, D-2nd Ward, and Mayor Doug Franklin also present.

The project seeks to make public spaces more inclusive for children on the autism spectrum.

The board features images representing activities, emotions and requests, such as selecting a swing or indicating “yes” or “no” and allowing children to point and communicate when words are difficult.

Biery, whose 6-year-old son Logan is autistic and nonverbal, described how such tools reduce frustration during outings.

“It’s a way for him to communicate with me, to communicate with his peers and kind of relieve some of that stress that comes along with not being able to communicate,” Biery said.

The board for Packard Park is fully funded by donors. A similar board was installed at Imagination Station in Bazetta Township.

City operations staff will handle framing and installation of two posts at Packard Park with the board mounted roughly 3 to 4 feet off the ground for accessibility to young children.

Officials said the posts would be cemented in place and covered for safety.

Shrodek said the $3,700 quote covers two boards or about $1,750 each.

Franklin said the exact placement at Packard Park would be at the parks department’s discretion, ideally timed with ongoing playground improvements.

“This is a small price for a big benefit,” Franklin said. “We need to be doing what we can as a city.”

Milner, whose ward includes both Packard and Perkins parks, expressed strong support, noting that there’s been a rising number of children on the autism spectrum and her own grandson’s experiences.

She highlighted Packard Park’s existing accessibility features, such as adaptive hoops.

Committee members also discussed expanding the effort.

Perkins Park, which already has an all-inclusive playground, is a likely next location, potentially with support from groups like the Warren Rotary.

Franklin indicated general fund money could support additional boards, and officials expressed interest in Quimby and Burbank parks as well.

Biery’s Logan’s Landing Project has raised about $40,000 since launching last summer. It has funded a fence at a local park, installed the Imagination Station board and placed sensory support kits — containing noise-canceling headphones, fidgets and portable communication tools — in hotels, stadiums and other venues.

She encouraged businesses, including theaters, doctor’s offices and libraries, to adopt inclusive practices and said the organization offers training and kits to help.