Honor New Inclusive Playground

15, 2019 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that the quality and character of life in the communities across New York State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organizations and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its citizenry; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Cerebral Palsy of Westchester upon the occasion of the Grand Opening and Dedication of its Harmony Park Playground and Sensory Garden to be celebrated at a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony on Saturday, June 15,

2019, in Rye Brook, New York; and WHEREAS, Celebrating its 70th year in 2019, Cerebral Palsy of Westchester (CPW) provides essential services and programs for children and adults in Westchester and Fairfield Counties with all developmental disabilities including autism, neurological impairments, intellectual disabilities, epilepsy and cerebral palsy; and WHEREAS, Under the luminous leadership of Executive Director Linda Kuck, CPW strives to advance the independence, productivity, and full citizenship of people with developmental disabilities, dedicated to the principle all children and adults with disabilities and their family members have a fundamental right, and deserve every opportunity, to choose and participate in lifestyles that fully integrate them into society to every extent possible; and WHEREAS, The Harmony Park Playground and Sensory Garden was installed at CPW to benefit both children and adults with autism, cerebral palsy, and other disabilities; it is the first-of-its-kind in the region with innovative, wheelchair-accessible equipment and sensory activities so individuals with mobility issues can swing, play, experience nature, and practice critical skills; and WHEREAS, The park enables CPW participants to play as typical children do, improving their health and functioning, reducing their stress, and granting them and their families a whole new sense of normalcy and well-being; and WHEREAS, The playground includes a wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round and glider, waterplay table, Pulse Tempo interactive music and sensory game installation, xylophone, giant bongos, umbrella pavilion area, outdoor musical and raised planter beds with colorful flowers, aromatic herbs and plants that sway/whistle; all focused to encourage physical activity, stimulate the senses, and promote imaginative, interactive play which helps children build problem-solving skills, social skills, and frustration tolerance; and WHEREAS, The park will benefit hundreds of children, students and adults of CPW's wide-ranging programs, including The BRIDGE School, Adult Day Program, Saturday Explorers, Adaptive Recreation, Jimmy Vejar Summer Fun Program, and Teen and Young Adult Social Clubs; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Cerebral Palsy of Westchester upon the occasion of the Grand Opening and Dedication of its Harmony Park Playground and Sensory Garden on June 15, 2019; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Linda Kuck, Executive Director, Cerebral Palsy of Westchester.