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Peaceful Hearts - Swing2 — Kids from Peaceful Hearts in front of Freedom Glider

Town announces wheelchair friendly swing at The ROC

June 9, 2021

187

By Michelle Poirier

On June 1, during National AccessAbility Week, the Town of Georgina announced the installation of the Freedom Glider, an accessible swing made for wheelchair users.

The installation of the swing at The ROC playground was in partnership with Peaceful Hearts Georgina Foundation, and the Town’s Accessibility Committee supported the initiative.

Karin Cacciola, Founder and Chair Director of Peaceful Hearts, said her son Carter, who has cerebral palsy and is quadriplegic and non-verbal, has used an accessible swing in the past.

“Carter, who is in a wheelchair, use to attend Camp Hope in Pefferlaw. He used to attend the Community Living Camp in the summer, and this property had a vintage wheelchair swing. It was made out of wood – it looked like it was made out of fence posts, it was that vintage. But they used to line up in the morning in their wheelchairs,” she said.

“It was like full on giggles, they were so lit up. Going in a swing like that, they get to have a different experience.”

Ms. Cacciola said the new swing is thanks to Mayor Margaret Quirk, who she called a caring and compassionate person who always stands up for the special needs residents of Georgina.

Mayor Quirk created a Facebook fundraising event for her 60th birthday and asked for donations to raise funds for Peaceful Hearts in order to cover part of the cost for the swing. The rest of the funds were provided by the Town.

In return Peaceful Hearts wrote a cheque back to the Town of Georgina to put towards the accessible swing. It was a partnership, Ms. Cacciola said.

“We continue our work of finding ways to improve accessibility and inclusion in our community so our parks and amenities serve every resident. I would love to see additional parks with this type of swing and other accessible playground equipment.

I was involved with the Town’s first All Abilities Playground at RL Graham many years ago. It was the first in York Region from what I remember,“ Mayor Quirk said.

Ms. Cacciola said the swing can be used by wheelchair users of all ages.

“We’re very excited that the Town of Georgian’s on the move to create more accessibility for our community. This swing is a luxury to have in the park. I think it’s going to be fabulous for many other organizations, Community Living, Deaf Blind and some seniors, who can get out and have fun,” Ms. Cacciola said.

Stephanie Fraser, Landscape Architectural Planner for the Town of Georgina, said The ROC was chosen for its central location and accessible amenities like parking, washrooms and the splash pad. If the swing becomes popular they would look into other suitable locations for accessible play equipment.

Ms. Fraser said the safety surfacing for the swing is scheduled to be installed during the last week of June and, after all safety inspections, the swing will be ready for use.

The Town is working to increase accessibility, with all new parks, playgrounds and trails designed to meet Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) compliance and improvements being completed at Young’s Harbour, Glenwoods Park and the Sutton Multi-Use facility, she said.