Provincial EASE Grant Invests in New Wheelchair Swing at the Dorchester Dream Park

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Provincial EASE Grant Invests in
New Wheelchair Swing at the Dorchester Dream Park

Ontario Government Awards $57,935.15 to Municipality of Thames Centre

THAMES CENTRE – The Municipality of Thames Centre has been awarded $57,935.15 from the Ontario Government’s EASE (Enhancing Access to Spaces for Everyone) Grant to go towards the construction of a new wheelchair swing.

The new wheelchair swing is set to be added to the Dorchester Dream Park. This popular community hub, found within Dorchester Community Park, consists of a large accessible/inclusive playground, a seniors exercise equipment area, and a large shade structure.

The Dream Park has been led by volunteers of the Dorchester Dream Park Committee, working closely with the Community Services & Facilities team at the Municipality.

“Every child and every family deserve a place where they feel welcome and included,” says Elgin–Middlesex–London MPP Rob Flack. “By supporting the Dream Park through the EASE Grant, we are proud to partner with local volunteers and the Municipality of Thames Centre to expand opportunities for families of all abilities.”

“It is truly exciting to see the park continue to grow and expand its range of accessible and inclusive activities for families and individuals,” says Dorchester Dream Park Committee member Lisa Farquharson. “As a parent of a person with a disability, it is incredibly heartwarming to see a small group of dedicated individuals rise to the occasion and help make Thames Centre a place where families like mine can truly thrive.”

The final cost of the new swing will be finalized after administrators review available options from multiple manufacturers.

The Ontario government is investing over $2 million through the new Enhancing Access to Spaces for Everyone (EASE) Grant to build more inclusive and accessible spaces across the province.

EASE Grants are supporting over 40 projects that increase accessibility and create more opportunities for seniors and people with disabilities to participate in their community.

“I want to thank the province for making this significant investment, and commend the committee volunteers and municipal staff who make projects like this happen,” says Mayor Sharron McMillan. “The progress made with the Dream Park over recent years has been impressive. With this grant, we are closer to creating a space where everyone can play.”

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Contact:

Michael Ramnanan
Communications Manager
mramnanan@thamescentre.on.ca
519.268-7334 ext. 258