Assembly Resolution No. 536

BY: M. of A. Otis

COMMENDING Cerebral Palsy of Westchester upon the
occasion of the Grand Opening and Dedication of its
Harmony Park Playground and Sensory Garden on June
15, 2019

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
organizations and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare
of the community and its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Cerebral Palsy of Westchester upon the occasion of the Grand
Opening and Dedication of its Harmony Park Playground and Sensory Garden
to be celebrated at a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony on Saturday, June 15,
2019, in Rye Brook, New York; and

WHEREAS, Celebrating its 70th year in 2019, Cerebral Palsy of
Westchester (CPW) provides essential services and programs for children
and adults in Westchester and Fairfield Counties with all developmental
disabilities including autism, neurological impairments, intellectual
disabilities, epilepsy and cerebral palsy; and

WHEREAS, Under the luminous leadership of Executive Director Linda
Kuck, CPW strives to advance the independence, productivity, and full
citizenship of people with developmental disabilities, dedicated to the
principle that all children and adults with disabilities and their
family members have a fundamental right, and deserve every opportunity,
to choose and participate in lifestyles that fully integrate them into
society to every extent possible; and

WHEREAS, The Harmony Park Playground and Sensory Garden was
installed at CPW to benefit both children and adults with autism,
cerebral palsy, and other disabilities; it is the first-of-its-kind in
the region with innovative, wheelchair-accessible equipment and sensory
activities so individuals with mobility issues can swing, play,
experience nature, and practice critical skills; and

WHEREAS, The park enables CPW participants to play as typical
children do, improving their health and functioning, reducing their
stress, and granting them and their families a whole new sense of
normalcy and well-being; and

WHEREAS, The playground includes a wheelchair-accessible
merry-go-round and glider, waterplay table, Pulse Tempo interactive
music and sensory game installation, xylophone, giant bongos, umbrella
pavilion area, outdoor musical and raised planter beds with colorful
flowers, aromatic herbs and plants that sway/whistle; all focused to
encourage physical activity, stimulate the senses, and promote
imaginative, interactive play which helps children build problem-solving
skills, social skills, and frustration tolerance; and

WHEREAS, The park will benefit hundreds of children, students and
adults of CPW's wide-ranging programs, including The BRIDGE School,
Adult Day Program, Saturday Explorers, Adaptive Recreation, Jimmy Vejar
Summer Fun Program, and Teen and Young Adult Social Clubs; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Cerebral Palsy of Westchester upon the occasion of the Grand
Opening and Dedication of its Harmony Park Playground and Sensory Garden
on June 15, 2019; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Linda Kuck, Executive Director, Cerebral Palsy of
Westchester.