The City of Whitesville hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday to present its newest playset at Whitesville Community Park. City officials say the playset aims to make it more accessible for children with impairments.
The City of Whitesville was awarded a $24,999 Quality of Life grant from the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation to help fund an Alta Glider and ramp as part of the new all-inclusive playset.
The grant is part of the Reeve Foundation’s National Paralysis Resource Center 2024 Direct Effect program, which awarded $1.47 million to 73 projects. The foundation said the grants provide funding for nonprofit organizations that empower individuals living with paralysis. Since the program began, more than 3,800 grants have been awarded, totaling $44 million.
“These grants are dedicated to restoring independence to our community members,” said Dan McNeal, Director of the Quality of Life Grants Program at the Reeve Foundation. “Our primary mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals living with paralysis. We are honored to collaborate with numerous committed organizations that tirelessly ensure accessibility and inclusivity and are integral to their programs.”
The City of Whitesville used the grant to purchase the Alta Glider and ramp, which will make the playground more accessible for children who use wheelchairs. The city’s only playground was damaged by a recent weather event, and the new equipment is part of its rebuilding efforts.
“On behalf of the City of Whitesville, we are grateful to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation for providing us with this first-time grant,” said Mayor Patsy Mayfield. “We will have an opportunity to include more people in our community living with disabilities. We are thankful to provide a more inclusive environment to help them achieve their goals of staying active and healthy.”
