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‘America’s Favorite Hometown’ may have several parks that offer numerous recreational opportunities, but Mayor John F. Bencivengo felt something was missing – a playground that would allow area children with disabilities to use along with other Township children.

Today, Mayor Bencivengo announced his plans for Hamilton Township’s Accessible Playground, which will be a place where children of all abilities can enjoy recreational opportunities together. Construction of the Accessible Park will begin next month and conclude before the end of the summer.

“ ‘America’s Favorite Hometown’ needed a playground that all of our children, and especially our children with disabilities, can enjoy. Our project will fill this need in an inclusive manner,” explained Mayor Bencivengo.

Located in Veterans Park, Hamilton’s Accessible Playground will include:

* Wide ramps that are wheelchair accessible

* Adaptive swings equipped with safety belts

* A low-height “Toss-n-Score” Basketball Basket

* Several slides and climbing areas

* A large “Sunblox Sail Roof” providing covering from the sun on warm summer days

* A “Whirl Wind” spinning seat

* “bouncing” stationary cars

* A See Saw

* And much more!

A soft rubber mat will be placed under the playground area, which will serve as a safety precaution for children using the playground equipment while also accessibility by wheelchair easier.

Keeping in line with Mayor Bencivengo’s “Clean and Green” vision for “America’s Favorite Hometown”, the playground equipment and protective rubber mat will be made with recycled materials.

Joining Mayor Bencivengo at the announcement of the Accessible Park were representatives from organizations who serve individuals with disabilities: the Arc Mercer, the Miracle League, the Hamilton Area YMCA and Allies, Inc.

“This project recognizes and illustrates the compassion of the people of Hamilton Township. And the charitable, non-profit organizations represented here today, who reside in and surround our community, share our community’s compassion with our fellow residents and neighbors each day,” said Mayor Bencivengo. “I want to thank the ARC Mercer, the Miracle League, the Hamilton Area YMCA and Allies, Inc. for their support of this project, which I firmly believe will make our community a better place to live.”

Also joining Mayor Bencivengo were Hamilton Township Council member Dennis Pone, Township employees who helped to plan the project, as well as Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes.

The playground will be funded by through Hamilton Township’s capital budget, which funds long-term infrastructure and recreation projects, along with matching grant that the Township Department of Community Planning and Compliance applied for through Mercer County. Tomorrow evening, the Township Council is expected to approve a resolution that will accept matching funding for this project.

“When completed, our Accessible Playground will be another, great part of ‘America’s Favorite Hometown’, adding to our renowned park and recreational facilities,” concluded Mayor Bencivengo. “This playground will be one that the children of our community will be able to enjoy for years to come.”

Photo 1: Hamilton Township Mayor John F. Bencivengo announces Hamilton Township’s Accessible Playground which will be coming to Veterans Park by summer’s end. Standing behind the Mayor are Mercer County Freeholder John Cimino, Hamilton Township Councilman Dennis Pone and Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes.

Photo 2: Visual Drawing of Hamilton’s Accessible Playground.