*Press Release
Handicapped accessible playground re-opens with upgrades and renovations
Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus participated in a ribbon cutting on Wednesday to celebrate the re-opening of Sally’s Dream Playground, located at Thomas Bull Memorial Park in Hamptonburgh.
Sally’s Dream, a handicapped accessible playground, had been closed since May 23rd for renovations.
“Sally’s Dream has been an integral part of the parks system for many years,” Neuhaus said. “It is one of the most popular facilities in Orange County and we are proud of the improvements that have been made to the playground. I hope all our County residents and visitors enjoy it for years to come.”
Neuhaus was joined at the event by Orange County Sheriff Carl E. DuBois, Commissioner of Parks and Recreation Chris Viebrock, Mariann Cheney, Access: Supports For Living’s Director of Development and Public Affairs, Access’ Program Director, Barbara Russell, and Lisa Hayes, who serves as Vice President of Program Services for Access.
Sally’s Dream was closed so that new playground equipment could be installed to offer even more accessibility for children. The new equipment offers additional play options and unobstructed sight lines for parents and guardians visiting the playground. In addition, a modern Fibar ground covering system, used in 12,000 playgrounds across the country, will provide a safe surface environment for children, while having environmental benefits of being a sustainable product made from clean mulch.
Sally’s Dream was built in 2002 in memory of Sarah “Sally” McGlynn. McGlynn, who passed away in 1999, was one of the founders and a board member of The Family Empowerment Council, a nonprofit agency founded by parents of disabled children to provide services for people with disabilities in Orange and Sullivan counties.
McGlynn was an advocate for the disabled for 30 years and was influential in developing local independent living centers. Funds were raised by a few organizations to build the playground in her honor.