Marcel Riley from Mae's Playground
Marcel Riley never expected to lead a citywide movement.
He is a Fall River maintenance worker and father trying to create a sensory space for his autistic daughter. But after his fiancée was diagnosed with cancer—and the community rallied around his family—Marcel saw an opportunity to return that support.
In this episode, Marcel shares how a backyard sensory board, a petition and an outpouring of community support grew into Mae’s Playground: an inclusive sensory playground planned for Abbott Court.
He discusses the families driving the project, the thoughtful features being designed for children of all abilities, and what Fall River’s response has taught him about advocacy, generosity and the power of showing up for your neighbors.
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