Erie County Legislator Frank Todaro said today he is pleased that the Inclusive Playground at Como Lake Park in Lancaster has now been completed. The installation of the inclusive playgrounds at Erie County’s Heritage Parks began as an initiative of the Minority Caucus two years ago.
“My colleagues and I saw that there was a real need. Our young people should not have to travel far to be able to experience the joy of having fun on a playground. Now they won’t have to,” said Legislator Frank Todaro (8th District). “It’s important that children of all abilities can play together.”
The Erie County Legislature’s Minority Caucus pushed the project during fiscal negotiations and reached a deal with the Administration in 2021 to fund these projects with cash. The inclusive playground project includes $425,000 in funding each for Emery, Chestnut Ridge, Como Lake, Akron Falls and Ellicott Creek Parks. In addition, $1.2 million in improvements was secured for all Erie County Parks.
“We had historic budget surpluses and knew we could pay for these playgrounds without having to borrow money and put that burden on the taxpayer,” said Legislator Todaro.
Plans for the playground came about after the Chestnut Ridge Conservancy and other non-profits began a fundraising campaign to build an inclusive playground at Chestnut Ridge Park. The Erie County Legislature’s Republican Caucus recognized that Erie County had the surplus money to pay for these important projects, and as such believed the community organizations shouldn’t have to fundraise to make the playgrounds a reality.
“These are important additions to our heritage parks. I’m glad we reached an agreement two years ago on building inclusive playgrounds for all to enjoy, and I’m so happy to see it is now a reality. I’m hoping families and our young people will create memories on these playgrounds for decades to come,” said Legislator Todaro.