Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz today joined Commissioner of Parks, Recreation & Forestry Troy P. Schinzel, Executive Director of the Office for People with Disabilities Frank Cammarata III, MPA and Erie County Legislator Chris Greene (6th District) at Akron Falls Park in Akron 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 final stages of installing similar playgrounds in all five of our Heritage Parks, part of an investment of over $3.5 million, and I thank the Legislature for their support.”

Executive Director of the Office for People with Disabilities Frank Cammarata III, MPA said, “The development of additional inclusive playgrounds continues to have numerous benefits for our communities’ residents, one of which is inclusive play opportunities for all, which supports relationship building between people with and without a disability.”

Features of the Inclusive Playground at Akron Falls Park 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; the Cozy Dome, a unique climber with round openings for hand and for placement for climbing and letting children “hide” inside; a new ramp for accessibility; a Rollerslide that provides a tactile and auditory experience while children slide, and is wide enough for children to slide down together; Reach Panels including Ring a Bell, Sound Chimes, and Image Play; a Cooltoppers Single Post Shade; and Molded Bucket Swing Seats ( for ages 2-5 and 5-12) that provide additional support for children who might need additional trunk support while they swing.

“Inclusive playgrounds are hugely popular with families and can accommodate children of all ages and abilities so the opportunities for play are expanded for all.  We are continuing to install them around our Parks system and are in the planning stages for one at Tow Path Park and another at Isle View Park,” said Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Forestry Troy P. Schinzel. “These playgrounds are another great way for people to come out and enjoy our Parks.”

Legislator Chris Greene (6^th District) said, “I’m glad that the inclusive playgrounds are now a reality not just at Akron Falls, but at all of Erie County’s heritage parks.  This was a priority for my colleagues and I in the Minority Caucus.  We recognized the need and worked to allocate the funds to have these built.  We welcome kids of all abilities to come and enjoy these inclusive playgrounds.”

For more information:

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

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