First county park specifically designed for inclusivity

Originally owned by the Gardiner family, Suffolk’s first non-native landowners, and later part of the historic Sagtikos Manor Estate, Gardiner County Park is a 231-acre nature-oriented public park on the Great South Bay.

Among the amenities in the Bay Shore park is a playground, hiking and nature trails, a dog park, and picnic tables. Upon learning that the current playground is not what it used to be—the aging playground’s condition has started to deteriorate due to decades of use—Suffolk County Legis. Steve Flotteron decided to do something about it. 

Flotteron allotted $300,000 from the county budget to renovate the playground, plus over $100,000 to refurbish the exercise trail in the future.

The new playground will be completed by BCI Burke Company, a manufacturer of ADA-inclusive playgrounds. Burke operates under the understanding that play is essential at all ages and stages of life, and ensuring everyone can experience equitable play is crucial to community success. The company also understands that accessibility doesn’t equal inclusion; inclusion offers more.

While other Suffolk County playgrounds are ADA accessible, as they meet the requirements laid out in the Americans with Disabilities Act, the inclusive playground coming to Gardiner County Park will go above and beyond the minimum requirements with inclusive design for everyone, including those in wheelchairs and those with autism.

An initial meeting held on July 16 brought together a group of individuals to share their personal experiences and expertise regarding what is needed at the playground. Among attendees were parents of special-needs children; the commissioner and deputy commissioner of the Suffolk County Parks Department; Dr. Lyle Dennis, the head of neurology of Good Samaritan Hospital; Bob Petterson, the executive director of the Great South Bay YMCA; Michele Capobianco with American Recreation, which is the exclusive New York representative for Burke; Gina Paolantonio, a gym teacher at Bay Shore Schools; and Legis. Flotteron.

“Some of the things we learned at the meeting is that some parents have older kids now that still want to enjoy these things,” shared Flotteron. “Playground equipment with motion, swings, things that spin—they really enjoy that. So, getting that input from the families of children with disabilities at all stages in their lives was important.”

A 360 loop with a ramp and a swing set was discussed, both of which would accommodate all children, including those in wheelchairs. The 360 loop, transfer, climber combination would allow for children of all abilities to have control over their play experience and be able to play and move independently.

Those with autism or other sensory processing differences may become overwhelmed by noise or movement in standard playgrounds. The inclusion of a serenity spot in the playground was also discussed. The spot would grant special-needs children a space to feel safe if they get overwhelmed, while still remaining in the play area.

“I am excited because hopefully, this will set a precedent for all Suffolk County parks,” noted. Flotteron. “Over time, as we either rebuild new parks or refurbish other facilities or playgrounds, this should be a standard hallmark, to include it all.”

The planning of the inclusive playground will continue to move forward. Flotteron shared that building is expected to begin later this fall, and for the playground to certainly be ready for use next summer.