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Ellicott Elementary unveils updated playground, meant to be more accessible to children with disabilities

Several children are pictured playing on a ground level, accessible merry-go-round.
Children play on the update playground at Ellicott Elementary in the Orchard Park Central School District.

This story originally aired on October 20, 2021.

If you go to county parks, you may have seen new playgrounds popping up that look very different from the ones that were built 10, 20 years ago. Some elementary schools are also making these changes as well.

At Ellicott Elementary in the Orchard Park Central School District, they have completed a renovation to make part of their playground an inclusive playground. The wood chips fade to a soft rubber platform where there is a wheelchair accessible merry go round and glider.

David Lilleck, the superintendent for the school district, says these changes will help students with disabilities access and enjoy the space.

“As you can see, you know, our woodchips, which all of our playgrounds have, technically, they are ADA compatible, and compliant. But the reality is the inclusivity of students who may be in wheelchairs, or may have other mobility needs, it's not always the optimal surface for students to truly engage. And then on top of that, equipment, even if you build a surface, do we have that equipment where students can participate, and engage with their peers, if they have mobility challenges... mobility needs.”

He added that parents have been instrumental in the two-year design and installation process. And parents will be able to continue being part of the process – as the school district hopes to renovate other elementary playgrounds.

"Partnerships with our parents is essential. You know, their perspective, their feedback makes us better. And quite honestly, a lot of this work came out of conversations that I had."

Lilleck says parents can get involved by contacting their building principal, and that they hope to include funds from the capital project towards creating other playgrounds like this one. He says it’s all part of their goal to “provide and promote an inclusive, welcoming environment for all of our students.”

Emyle Watkins is an investigative journalist covering disability for WBFO.