January 11, 2024 - AWS Foundation recently awarded a $215,000 grant to Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation for accessibility upgrades at some neighborhood parks. These improvements will be made over the next three years in conjunction with a larger initiative to update several park areas.
Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Director Steve McDaniel said, “We are so grateful to have the chance to partner with AWS Foundation to find ways to increase accessibility in our parks and to ensure more children have the chance to fully enjoy our playgrounds.”
AWS Foundation and Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation are collaborating to ensure accessibility is an attribute of each neighborhood park. “Public parks provide free recreation for the whole community. Families of children with disabilities should be able to go to their own neighborhood park and find accessible playgrounds,” says Patti Hays, AWS Foundation CEO.
The first park that will be receiving upgrades as part of this grant is Boone Park, where the department will utilize a portion of the funds for accessible safety surfacing on its playground. Construction dates are still to be announced.