Wonderland ribbon cutting at new location in Richmond Beach

Wonderland staff pose for a family photo
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

Wonderland Developmental Center celebrated its grand opening in its new location on Richmond Beach Way on Friday, September 16, 2016 at 2402 NW 195th St.

Wonderland helps children meet healthy developmental milestones through evaluations, Early Intervention, and supplemental support programs. They have contracts to provide services to four local school districts, with most of their children coming from Shoreline Schools families.

Shoreline Councilmember Keith McGlashan and Wonderland board member
Barbara Murray do the honors at the grand opening ceremony.
Murray is one of the founders of Wonderland.
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

They are a nonprofit that provides therapeutic services to a monthly average of 200 families and their children with developmental disabilities and delays reflecting a variety of diagnoses, including autism spectrum disorder, Fragile X, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and fetal alcohol syndrome.

Christina Barzare, a Wonderland board member,
stands beside a poster which features her daughter.
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

They were previously located at the North City elementary building, but had to find a new location when rising enrollment compelled the school district to reopen two closed school buildings, including North City.

The building was painted, the gardens were weeded,
a new bathroom was put in and other improvements
were completed before the Grand Opening.
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

Wonderland was fortunate to have the financial means to be able to purchase a building, the original Richmond Beach Library.

Most of their services are performed in the community, at homes, schools, and locations dictated by the needs of the child. The new building will house administrative staff and offices for therapists to do their administrative work.