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Parents ask Fresno commission to make parks more inclusive for children with disabilities
Summary
Parents described accessibility limits at recent playground upgrades and asked the commission to appoint a contact to collaborate with families and therapists on more inclusive play elements and shade.
Two public speakers asked the Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission to increase accessibility and inclusion at Fresno parks following recent upgrades.
Keetika Bridal said her 5-year-old son, Aiden, who has Pitt-Hopkins syndrome and cannot walk or talk, enjoys slides and swings but faces barriers at recently renovated play areas. Bridal said the Roeding Park improvements include a single ramp to a slide, requiring her to transfer Aiden from his wheelchair and use the same ramp to return, creating safety concerns when other children use the ramp. Bridal also said some interactive panels require fine motor skills her son does not have and suggested sensory-based, push-button features instead. She asked the commission to appoint a staff contact so parents and volunteer therapists can work with the department to recommend more inclusive equipment and shade.
Giselle Cameling, Aiden’s sister, described watching her brother from the sidelines and urged the commission to help ensure parks offer social opportunities comparable to those for typical children.
Parks staff did not announce a formal program change or funding decision at the meeting; staff offered to accept contact information and discuss options, but no schedule or funding was specified.
