On May 2, members of The H&K Group (H&K) attended the unveiling and dedication of the #POCONOMTNS Inclusive Playground project at Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania, now the first motorsports facility in the world to be sensory inclusive.
Jim Haines, chief operating officer at H&K, was approached by Nick Igdalsky, Pocono Raceway CEO, to get H&K involved in this monumental project by donating materials to the playground. H&K was more than willing to donate both time and materials to the Inclusive Playground given its strong history with both Pocono Raceway and its support of autism issues.
H&K ultimately donated stone, grading, seeding and landscaping to help Pocono Raceway achieve its goal of completing the new park prior to running of the Pocono 400 on June 3.The #POCONOMTNS Inclusive Playground was designed for children of all ages and abilities to learn, grow and play together.
From 2007 through 2017, H&K held a Rock & Roll Ride for Autism and Spina Bifida, which was an annual motorcycle tour that began at H&K’s corporate office and ended at Pocono Raceway for the participants to take laps around the track and ultimately raise awareness and support for autism. Also, in 1995 and again in 2011, H&K preformed total raceway track reconstruction and paving of Pocono Raceway.
This sensory inclusive playground project began when Pocono Raceway announced a partnership with KultureCity, a nonprofit organization based in Birmingham, Ala., with the mission of inspiring the community to join in creating a world where all autistic individuals can be accepted, included and fulfill their potential. KultureCity will assist Pocono Raceway to promote a positive experience for all guests and fans with sensory issues that visit the racetrack throughout the year.
For those suffering with autism one of the major issues is sensitivity to over stimulation and noise. With its new certification, Pocono Raceway will be better prepared to assist guests with sensory sensitivities in having the most comfortable and accommodating experience possible.
Now at Pocono Raceway, individuals with sensory issues will have the following available for their use: sensory bags, equipped with noise cancelling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards and weighted lap pads. These will be available to all guests who may feel overwhelmed by the environment. Fans will also have access to two dedicated sensory rooms, one located behind the Grandstand and one located in the Infield, for those who may need a quieter and more secure environment.
Currently celebrating 50 years of business excellence, The H&K Group family of companies provide heavy civil contracting and construction services, construction and building materials, and associated ancillary services through 85 operations in three states.
Earlier this year, H&K launched its brand new website at www.hkgroup.com. Designed as part of H&K’s overall corporate rebrand and marketing restructure, its new presence in the digital domain has been meticulously retooled to enable its customers, clients, vendors and communities to better understand, experience and navigate the vast array of products and services offered by H&K.
Noteworthy programming changes on H&K’s new website include improved search or browsing logic; focusing now on icon-driven functionality and a “less is more” approach to site navigation. To further aid in the browsing experience, the new site also features the latest in “responsive” web design technology, allowing virtually any device to seamlessly adjust or adapt to H&K’s new site – phone, PC, tablet, etc.
To mark 2018 as a milestone half-century of business excellence year for H&K, the company also launched a special 50thAnniversary micro website. Designed specifically to honor, respect and cherish H&K’s history, legacy and most importantly, its Founders and all who have contributed to the successes of H&K through the years, this microsite celebrates its 50thbirthday in style.
Key elements of this special site include an extensive scrolling timeline of milestone moments in its corporate history, a glimpse into key traditions that have come to define our corporate persona, a selection of collectible promotions and the latest news relating to H&K’s 50th anniversary celebration. H&K’s birthday microsite can be reached by clicking its exclusive 50th anniversary logo anywhere it appears on the main website, or visiting birthday.hkgroup.com.