MAYOR PALMIERI, RCIL ANNOUNCE PARK ACCESSIBILITY IMPROVEMENTS

Utica Mayor Robert M. Palmieri, joined by the Resource Center for Independent Living, announced the creation of accessible pathways throughout Wankel Park in South Utica. The improvements mark one the first steps in a $5 million plan to make all city parks fully accessible for all to use.

The project in Wankel Park is one of the initial steps in the plan to make a more accessible park system. One of the other steps already taken to date is the creation of sidewalks along Culver Ave. adjacent to F.T. Proctor Park and T.R. Proctor Park.

The $1.4 million to create accessible pathways throughout the city park system is a result of funding through the American Rescue Plan Act and part of the Utica Prosperity Initiative. Among the suggestions in the portal the city created for input on expenditures was one to make parks more accessible. One of the major takeaways from the Covid-19 pandemic was the need to improve outdoor spaces and recreational areas to be more inclusive to allow safe social distancing and to combat obesity and other underlying conditions to combat obesity and other underlying conditions.

In addition to the expenditure for more accessible pathways, the City of Utica has initiated several other projects to make city parks more friendly for everyone, including individuals with disabilities. Some of these initiatives include:

• Design and build of an accessible playground at Thomas R. Proctor Park
• Design and build of an accessible zipline and stage at Kemble Park
• Wider sidewalks along Culver Ave. in the areas adjacent to F.T. and T.R. Proctor Parks

RCIL is one of the area’s most impactful not-for-profits and a frequent city partner in making a more accessible, integrated society that allows full participation by people with disabilities. The city and RCIL have worked together on several fronts including police reform, rebuilding City Hall’s bathrooms and access and inclusion.

Mayor Palmieri said: “In Utica we embrace diversity and celebrate our differences. More importantly, we want to continue to build a city where everyone feels welcome. The accessibility investments in our park system is an example of us not talking about our values, but committing resources to back them up.”

On behalf of RCIL, Holly Saupp stated: “RCIL commends Mayor Palmieri and the City of Utica for committing to improved accessibility within Utica's parks. These projects--beginning with the one completed at Wankel Park--demonstrate the City's alignment with RCIL's mission and values and bring us closer to realizing our vision of a fully accessible society."