New ADA-Inclusive State-Of-The-Art Playground Opens At Gardiner County Park

Pictured (L-R): Member of Steering Committee Sabrina Savino, Legislator Tom Donnelly, NYS Assemblyman Michael Durso, Legislator Steven J. Flotteron, Suffolk County Executive Edward Romaine, and Great South Bay YMCA Executive Director Bob Pettersen.

Suffolk County Legislator Steven J. Flotteron, along with County Executive Edward Romaine, NYS Assemblyman Michael Durso, Legislator Tom Donnelly, and members of the playground planning committee, proudly cut the ribbon on a new Americans with Disability Act (ADA)-accessible playground at Gardiner County Park in West Bay Shore, originally owned by the Gardiner family. The playground is state-of-the-art and Autism friendly.

The 231-acre nature-oriented public park on the Great South Bay needed renovations to the playground used by community members. Legislator Steven J. Flotteron secured $650,000 in funds from the County’s Capital Budget to make this project possible. The Legislator assembled a steering committee of teachers, parents, County officials, and community stakeholders to plan this new playground with American Recreational Products (ARP) and a representative of BCI Burke. Burke specializes in inclusive playgrounds and is a consultant, manufacturer, and distributor of playground equipment.

“We wanted to get this right so we reached out to parents of special needs children, our local school districts, Good Samaritan University Hospital Pediatric Physicians, local groups such as Sons of Italy, EJ Autism Foundation and The Great South Bay YMCA to determine what needed to be included in the new playground to serve all levels of play,” stated Legislator Flotteron.

The new playground is in “earth tone” colors to create a calm, modern feeling, while specific play spaces use bright color palettes to stimulate the senses, creating a sense of happiness, and keep children of all ages engaged. The park was already being enjoyed by local children.

“We need parks with a little more protection for kids of all abilities, and our playgrounds should be geared to that,” stated County Executive Romaine.