DUNDEE--Thanks to the years of continual support and donations from the local communities, businesses, and many friends and families, enough funds were raised to purchase and install a wheelchair bench swing at Millard Park on Spring Street in Dundee. The campaign to bring the wheelchair bench swing into the local park was initiated and run by sisters Elizabeth and Evelyn Dillon in honor of their younger sister, Claire, who is wheelchair-bound. Their wish to have inclusive equipment for all members of the community to enjoy in the local parks sparked their action to raise funds to add this swing to be enjoyed by all.
An unveiling was held Tuesday, Oct. 3. The swing is attached to a pergola that allows three riders at a time. There are two seats facing each other and then a ramp next to the seats that allows a wheelchair to come on and securely ride. A temporary crushed stone pathway will serve to connect the bench swing with the parking lot. This path will be replaced with a concrete sidewalk to serve as a permanent connection.
After the event last Tuesday, later in the day, the swing was damaged by parkgoers who were reportedly captured on security cameras that are in the area. Organizers of this project remind the community that the swing provides a one-of-a-kind experience for those in a wheelchair and encourage everyone to work together to keep the specialty piece of equipment functioning and available for those who need it.
The following supporters helped reach the goal of installing the swing: Fagan Engineers, Thomas F. Wilson, Barton and Loguidice Engineers, Seneca Stone, Bradley Jessop Post 660 American Legion, Four Season Alpacas and Rug Weaving, VFW Auxiliary, Rock Stream Ladies and Missionary Society, Countryway Insurance Company, Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hospital Laboratory, Dundee Rotary Club, Lakemont Congregational Church, Glenora Winery, The Crossing Diner, Winner’s Circle, Dollar General, Our Town Rocks, Knapp and Schlappi and the many friends and family who donated their time as well as funds.
An unveiling was held Tuesday, Oct. 3. The swing is attached to a pergola that allows three riders at a time. There are two seats facing each other and then a ramp next to the seats that allows a wheelchair to come on and securely ride. A temporary crushed stone pathway will serve to connect the bench swing with the parking lot. This path will be replaced with a concrete sidewalk to serve as a permanent connection.
After the event last Tuesday, later in the day, the swing was damaged by parkgoers who were reportedly captured on security cameras that are in the area. Organizers of this project remind the community that the swing provides a one-of-a-kind experience for those in a wheelchair and encourage everyone to work together to keep the specialty piece of equipment functioning and available for those who need it.
The following supporters helped reach the goal of installing the swing: Fagan Engineers, Thomas F. Wilson, Barton and Loguidice Engineers, Seneca Stone, Bradley Jessop Post 660 American Legion, Four Season Alpacas and Rug Weaving, VFW Auxiliary, Rock Stream Ladies and Missionary Society, Countryway Insurance Company, Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hospital Laboratory, Dundee Rotary Club, Lakemont Congregational Church, Glenora Winery, The Crossing Diner, Winner’s Circle, Dollar General, Our Town Rocks, Knapp and Schlappi and the many friends and family who donated their time as well as funds.
