BETHLEHEM, N.Y. – Senator Patricia Fahy (D—Albany), Town of Bethlehem Supervisor David VanLuven, local residents, and town officials gathered to cut the ribbon on the Town of Bethlehem’s newest ADA-accessible playground in North Bethlehem Park, located at 562 Russell Road, Albany, NY 12203. This project was completed with the assistance of a $100,000 CREST grant secured by Senator Patricia Fahy’s office.

Ensuring that children of all abilities and all ages have access to recreational equipment and facilities that are tailored to their needs means that more kids will find time outdoors, with their friends, and enjoy the benefits associated with socializing and recreating at a young age. Despite improvements in policy and awareness across the country, many playgrounds lack ADA-accessible features and represent a major barrier towards inclusion for the 1 in 5 children in the U.S. living with disabilities.

For example, the latest U.S. Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth found that more than 72% of children living with a disability live near a playground, but that those playgrounds are often inaccessible. A 2023 study of parents with children living with a disability also found that 50% of parents surveyed said playgrounds nearest them were inaccessible for their children, illustrating the need to continue building out ADA-accessible and inclusive infrastructure and facilities.

“This is yet another example of the Town of Bethlehem’s strong state and local government partnership that continues to deliver quality of life improvements for its residents,” said Senator Patricia Fahy (D—Albany). “ADA-accessible playgrounds send a simple, clear message; that children living with disabilities deserve the same opportunity to recreate and socialize with their peers on equipment and in facilities that are tailored to their needs. When we talk about equity, we need to act in order for that word to have meaning. I want to thank Town Supervisor VanLuven for his partnership and for delivering on projects that continue to make the Town of Bethlehem a great place to live, work, and recreate here in our Capital Region.” 

“We want Bethlehem’s parks to be welcoming for all regardless of a person’s mobility type,” said Bethlehem Town Supervisor David VanLuven. “I am proud of our Parks & Recreation Department for leading the design and construction of this new accessible playground and am grateful for Senator Pat Fahy’s continuing support for everyone in our community.”

“Playgrounds are inherently fun and bring families together, but playgrounds that are accessible and inclusive help people of all different abilities experience that same joy.  We are so grateful for the support from Senator Fahy, David VanLuven, and Town Board and their continued investment in Bethlehem Parks,” said Jason Gallo, Town of Bethlehem Parks & Recreation Administrator.

"This is so much more than a renovated park. It's a place where children and families of all abilities can come together and enjoy the outdoors, as every child deserves the chance to play, every parent deserves to be there for it, and every family deserves to feel like they belong,” said Bethlehem Town Board Member David DeCancio.

“Today we're celebrating having safe, accessible fun outdoors. Thank you to Senator Fahy for her support and to our great Parks & Recreation team who will make sure this playground is a key part of our community for years to come,” said Bethlehem Town Board Member Tom Schnurr.

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