Town Of Tonawanda – Today, July 2, 2024, New York State Assemblyman Bill Conrad joined Town of Tonawanda officials in formally celebrating the completion of a new inclusive playground at the town’s Kenney Park, just in time for Fourth of July revelers to enjoy.

Conrad in 2022 secured $50,000 in state funding for the town’s Department of Youth, Parks & Recreation (YPR), to go toward construction of the playground.

The facility, the first town-owned public-use adaptive playground, is for all children, regardless of their physical, intellectual, or developmental abilities and differences. Located in Kenney Park – home to the iconic Cougar jet airframe and veterans memorial – the playground features adaptive equipment, ramps, ground-level play options, and sensory activities. A series of well-placed openings provide clear sightlines so kids can explore safely.

One of the playground’s most unique interactive components is an 8,800-pound “sequoia log” made of PolyFiberCrete, a patented synthetic sandstone material that is highly durable and texturized for non- slip climbing. Children in wheelchairs will be able to maneuver through the structure, as it measures 11 feet wide and more than 7 feet tall.

Former Erie County Legislator and current Deputy County Executive Lisa Chimera also secured funding for the Kenney Park playground project, in the form of a $200,000 Erie County American Rescue Plan Act grant.

In addition to Town YPR, the Town Highway Department, Town Engineering, and the Town Water and Sewer Maintenance Division all helped with construction of the playground and preparation of the site.

Kenney Park will welcome a large crowd for Independence Day fireworks the evening of Wednesday, July 3.

The equipment in the older playground at Kenney Park will be removed and repurposed elsewhere in the town.

Assemblyman Bill Conrad said, “Before I took my seat in the Assembly, I was a Tonawanda Town Board member and chair of the YPR Committee – so I know what a longtime and important goal this has been, to create an inclusive public playground that every child could enjoy. I am thrilled that I was able to contribute toward this remarkable project, in further support of our community, its kids, and the town’s YPR Department and staff, who work so hard to ensure a rich quality of life for everyone who lives, works, or visits here.”

Erie County Legislator John Bargnesi Jr. said, “I commend Assemblyman Conrad for his assistance to the town in building this new, state-of-the-art facility. This playground is an incredible step toward accessibility and inclusion for all children who want to be able to play in the town. I am sure that it will enrich the lives of many young people for years to come, and for that I am grateful.”

Town of Tonawanda Supervisor Joe Emminger said, “The Town of Tonawanda is grateful to Assemblyman Conrad for delivering support for this new adaptive playground. It will meet all Americans with Disabilities Act regulations for playgrounds, while providing children of all abilities the opportunity to learn from and play with one another in a unique environment.”

Town Councilman and Youth, Parks and Recreation Committee Chairman Carl Szarek said, “I’m very excited that we are bringing to the residents of the Town of Tonawanda this state-of-the-art playground that will be accessible to children of all ability levels. The new playground will help our children grow in all areas of life and help them meet essential physical and developmental milestones while having fun.”

Town Youth, Parks and Recreation Superintendent Mark Campanella said, “By delivering a $50,000 grant toward the building of an adaptive playground, Assemblyman Conrad has made certain that the Town of Tonawanda will continue to be a great place for all residents to live, work, and play. This facility will have an enormous impact on the kids and families who visit Kenney Park.”