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Town of Batavia looking at upgrading Kiwanis Park to accommodate children with disabilities

By Howard B. Owens

It will take $125,000 of donated money, but Tom Lichtenthal, assistant town engineer and highway superintendent, hopes the community will come together to support a project that will be unique in Genesee County.

Lichtenthal is supporting a proposal to transform Kiwanis Park into a facility full of fun and activities for children with disabilities.

Central to the plan is a set of playground equipment built to accommodate children with disabilities, though can also be used by children without disabilities.

The plan also includes accessible paths and a small fishing pier on the Tonawanda Creek that is wheel-chair accessible and has guard rails.

The playground with wheel-chair swings, a tub-like marry-go-round, a conveyor-belt type of play set and a wheel-chair accessible glider would be built near the new boat launch, in an area well shaded by big, old trees.

On the opposite end of the park, to the east, would be an area of berms, sand, logs and rocks. Lichtenthal described it as "a natural play area."

The proposal was shared with the Town of Batavia Planning Board on Tuesday, but no action by the board is required at this time.

Genesee ARC supports the project, Lichtenthal said.

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