UMD LEAP Preschool Gets New Playground
Students of the Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences’ Language-Learning Early Advantage Program now have a new place to learn and play
The small playground by the East Portico of LeFrak Hall on the University of Maryland campus just got a makeover; one that better suits its biggest fans, preschoolers of the Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences’ Language-Learning Early Advantage Program (LEAP).
While addressing longstanding concerns with drainage and deteriorating playground equipment, the recent renovation also updated the play structures, improved surfacing to support children with varying abilities, and added a communication board with pictures and letters that children can use to help express themselves if they don’t yet have the words to do so.
“Play is such an essential part of early childhood development,” said LEAP Director Courtney Overton, who is also a HESP Assistant Clinical Professor. “This new space provides our preschoolers with a safe, accessible, and engaging environment where they can build friendships, practice communication skills, and learn through meaningful interactions with peers. Knowing that our current students and generations of future LEAP students will benefit from this space is incredibly rewarding.”
The renovation was made possible by more than 80 donors to LEAP’s 30th anniversary fundraising campaign, as well generous donations from Laura Anderson Wright, Senior Associate General Counsel and Student Affairs Practice Lead and Public Records Officer in the UMD Office of General Counsel, and a Giving Day donation from Distinguished University Professor Nan Bernstein Ratner, the founding director of the LEAP and a former HESP Chair.
"I am incredibly grateful to our generous donors, the faculty and staff of the Hearing and Speech Sciences Department, the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, and University of Maryland Facilities Management for making this playground renovation possible,” Overton said. “For more than 30 years, LEAP has provided an inclusive learning environment for young children with diverse abilities, and our new playground represents another important investment in that mission.”
HESP Chair and Distinguished Scholar-Teacher Samira Anderson echoed Overton’s appreciation.
“I am deeply grateful to the generous donors who helped make the new LEAP playground possible. It is a joy to know that our LEAPsters have a new space to explore, connect with one another, and learn through play,” said Anderson. “This playground will create opportunities for children to build communication and social skills, grow in confidence, and experience the fun of discovering what they can do.”
Donors were thanked and the new play space unveiled at a dedication ceremony that took place on Friday, October 16, 2026. BSOS Dean Susan Rivera was among those who delivered remarks, and helped to cut a ribbon to officially open the area.
“BSOS’ dedication to serving the surrounding community is truly on display here today,” said Dean Rivera at the event. “The symbiotic relationship we have with the families and patients that come to campus to engage with our students and faculty, and take advantage of the cutting-edge clinical translational research conducted in HESP, is a true model for campus community engagement.”
Give to the Language-Learning Early Advantage Program (LEAP)
Photos by Tom Bacho
Published on Thu, Oct 29, 2026 - 1:54PM