Town of Hempstead installs wheelchair accessible swings

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The Town of Hempstead unveiled their new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant swings at Oceanside Park during a warm autumn day on Oct. 19. The swings, which are wheelchair accessible, were funded by the Town of Hempstead and are the first of their kind in the area.

Long Island residents Victoria Aquino, 13, and Gina Mirabella, 16, were the first to use the swings. Aquino was excited about the swings and said she would come back to ride them again. Although Mirabella could not speak, her mother, Niki Mirabella appreciated the swings. “It makes my life a lot easier,” she said. “Swings are the only thing she can do at the park.” Niki appreciated that she didn’t have to remove her daughter from her chair to use the swing.

According to Town of Hempstead Supervisor Anthony Santino the swings cost roughly $15,000 and were inspired by inquiries directed at the town from parents looking to help their handicapped kids enjoy themselves at parks.