date posted: 2005-07-01
Being a Councillor in Richmond Hill has its fair share of ups and downs; just like everyone else has in their job. The greatest reward to any elected official is when we can say we made a difference to improve our community and the lives of our constituents.
Just such a reward is now under way – namely the planning and design of the first fully accessible park in Richmond Hill. Richmond Hill Council has unanimously approved a proposal to upgrade and enhance Crosby Park in Ward 2 – a project I have worked to bring about for 5 years. What makes this retro-fit especially exciting is that the revitalized Crosby Park will include an outdoor water play, new playground equipment, improved walkways and parking lot, and better access to Centennial Pool – and every one of these improvements will be designed to accommodate people, especially children, with disabilities.
The project will include participation and advice from the Richmond Hill Mobility Accessibility Foundation as well as other local advisory groups. Local service clubs, businesses, and various foundations will be approached for funding to purchase and build equipment such as playground features which will permit children with special needs to have the opportunity to enjoy the park and water play areas.
Attention will be given to important details such as providing ample disabled parking spaces. Walkways, lighting, shade and access to Centennial Pool as well as a fully accessible waterplay and playground for all persons who are young, young at heart, or who simply want to enjoy the activities at Crosby Park and Centennial Pool.
Richmond Hill Council is fully committed to ensuring that everyone is able to access and use our wonderful parks, trails, and playgrounds. I am proud to be a part of this exciting initiative and I invite any resident of Town to contact me with your ideas or if you would like to contribute.
My dream of seeing a child in a wheelchair squealing with delight in the waterplay, or of visually impaired parents following her/his child along a textured path to the swings, or a developmentally challenged youth climbing on safe equipment in a grove of trees is one step closer.