Today, Assemblymember Monica Wallace (D-Lancaster) was joined by Town of Cheektowaga Supervisor Diane Benczkowski to announce the opening of two new wheelchair accessible swings and an accessible merry-go-round in Stiglmeier Park. The new amenities, located east of the park’s Losson Road entrance, make the playground the first Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant playground in Cheektowaga.

Assemblymember Wallace secured a $10,000 grant through the New York State Office of Children and Family Services for the accessible playground amenities, building on previously secured state funds and working in collaboration with the Town of Cheektowaga on the historic project.

Individuals with disabilities can easily access the new playground amenities, thanks to a new rubber surfacing that connects the swings and merry-go-round to a widened sidewalk and the parking lot curb ramp. The accessible swings and merry-go-round are fully integrated into the existing playground, giving children with special needs and their friends the opportunity to enjoy the playground together. The merry-go-round, the floor of which is level to the rubber surfacing around it, includes two seats and two marked, open spaces for children in wheelchairs.

“I’m thrilled to be able to give all parents in our community the opportunity to enjoy the simple pleasure of taking their children to a playground and pushing them on a swing,” said Assemblymember Wallace. “This new playground equipment will ensure that every child has a chance to be a kid, play with their peers, and swing in a park. As mothers ourselves, Supervisor Benczkowski and I felt it was very important to create a place where every child can swing or spin and just have fun on the merry-go-round.”

“Providing services for our residents with disabilities, especially children, remains one of my highest priorities,” said Supervisor Benczkowski. “I am thankful that Assemblymember Wallace was able to acquire funding for Cheektowaga to make this beautiful all-inclusive playground a reality and one of the first all-inclusive playgrounds in the area. I encourage residents, while being mindful of social distancing and sanitizing practices, to bring their children to our parks and enjoy what we have to offer. We are determined to be a community welcoming to everyone and those with disabilities are no exception.”

“I will always fight to ensure that our public amenities and public spaces are accessible to all New Yorkers,” Assemblymember Wallace continued.