WEST SENECA UNVEILS NEW INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND AND RE-OPENS TOWN POOL
Children kick off the summer season at the Veterans Park by exploring their new playground and getting ready for the first splash in the park pool
West Seneca, NY – School’s out and the kids are ready for summer fun! Just before the Independence Day Weekend, the Town of West Seneca opened their new inclusive playground and reopened the Town Pool, both located on either side of the very popular Splash Pad (created in 2021). This was not your average ribbon cutting. Laughter and joy filled the air as children ran through the ribbon towards their new playground. The Town Center is growing and evolving each year with new opportunities, activities, and community assets for families to enjoy.
Back in 2021, Town Supervisor Gary Dickson proposed the replacement and/or repair of 1-2 park playgrounds per year. The recommendation to replace this park playground in particular came from the Town’s Recreation Commission, which was tasked with evaluating the aging park playgrounds in West Seneca. Because this playground is located in the center of town and because it is one of the “old style” playgrounds with parts that can longer be replaced, the commission decided this playground should be the first to be upgraded. Additionally, the Town received $75,000 from former Erie County Legislator Joseph Lorigo to go towards the inclusive playground.
“This playground was built for the community and in collaboration with the community each step of the way. It is fitting that it is opening in our Town Center here, where we are consistently growing, evolving and improving this space for the community and families to gather. Nothing is better than hearing the laughter and joy come from outside our offices as we see the next generation making memories here in West Seneca which we want to build up as the best place to live, work, and PLAY. I am especially proud that this new playground features inclusive pieces so more children can enjoy this space”, said Town Supervisor Gary Dickson.
Out with the old; in with the new, this new playground replaces an older 20-year old playground formally in its place. However, this new, inclusive playground includes accessible features for more children and families to enjoy, such as the “Sway Fun”, “We-Saw”, and “Rollerslide”. The upgraded playground includes a rubber mat which helps lessen the risk of injury and requires less maintenance than the old wood-chip style. Each element of the playground was carefully selected by committee members.
To save costs, the Recreation Commission coordinated a “Community Build” earlier this month, and the Highway Department and Buildings & Grounds employees took care of the rest. A lot of hard work and community involvement went into the creation of this new gem for local families.
“We built more than a playground, we built community”, said Kellie Ann Kostek, Recreation Commission Member.
“I am proud to have worked with our Town Highway Superintendent, West Seneca Recreation Commission Members and my colleagues on the Town Council to design/build this new fully accessible playground in Veteran’s Park. I look forward to seeing it used by the children of our community for many years to come”, said Town Councilman Jeff Piekarec.
This week also celebrated the re-opening of the West Seneca Town Pool which was unable to open last year due to low staffing resources. This year, the Town has successfully recovered from the effects of the Covid-19 Pandemic and recruited enough lifeguards to fully open the pool Monday through Friday from 10:00am to 7:00pm and on Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. This is also the earliest date the pool has ever opened, and the kids are ready for the “first splash” of the season.
#####
