Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz today joined Commissioner of Parks, Recreation & Forestry Troy P. Schinzel and Erie County Legislator John A. Bargnesi (4^th District) at Ellicott Creek Park in Tonawanda to review the recently-completed, inclusive Playground that has been added to the Park. In addition to being fully accessible and inviting to people with disabilities, especially parents with disabilities, inclusive playgrounds are a resource for grandparents and aging caregivers who want to interact with the children in their care. Their universal design permits all children to play together, including kids with disabilities, and has a wide range of play features to accommodate children’s interests.

“Inclusive playgrounds bring children of all abilities together and provide a great experience for all, including parents and caregivers who can now play with the young ones in their care,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “We are in the process of installing similar playgrounds in all of our Heritage Parks, part of an investment of over $3.5 million, and I thank the Legislature and especially Legislator Bargnesi, whose advocacy for this park made some of these special features possible, for their support.”

Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Forestry Troy P. Schinzel added, “Inclusive playgrounds are very popular and are quickly becoming one of the most-visited spots in our parks. We are glad to have them open in time for Spring and hope that more visitors will come to experience them.”

Features of the Ellicott Creek Park playground include a We-Go-Round Spinner, designed so that children using wheeled mobility devices can wheel right in and enjoy the rotation that comes with a merry-go-round experience.; a We-saw that gives children a “just right” seesaw movement experience with molded seats and a center seating platform; a Rollerslide that provides a tactile and auditory experience while children slide, and is wide enough for children to slide down together; Molded Bucket Swing Seats that provide additional support for children who might need additional trunk support while they swing;                   a Wobble Pod, Reach Panels, and more.   

    For more information:

    On the Erie County Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry visit  https://www3.erie.gov/parks/   

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