Parents and Girl Scouts urge Los Alamos County to add inclusive swings to parks

Several Girl Scouts from Troop 10507 and parents addressed the Los Alamos County Council on Feb. 3 to request inclusive playground equipment and more family recreation spaces in White Rock.

Haman Lee, co‑leader of Girl Scout Troop 10507, presented letters from scouts asking the county to install ADA‑accessible swings so friends with disabilities can “swing with us.” Multiple scouts and families read letters emphasizing the lack of shaded play areas, indoor facilities for winter months and inclusive equipment across county parks.

Parent Courtney Kroller described her daughter Emmy Dietz’s experience with Rett syndrome and said recent upgrades at River Park left the playground less inclusive. “My hope is that one day Los Alamos County will choose to build a truly all‑inclusive playground with equipment for children of all abilities,” Kroller said, and requested an adaptive swing at every playground so children with disabilities have the opportunity to play alongside peers.

Council chair noted the item was not on tonight’s agenda and that the county has an inclusivity task force; staff indicated the task force and Parks and Recreation have previously discussed accessibility and that the matter will be noted for follow up. James Wiernicki, a former Parks & Rec board chair and current inclusivity task force member, urged the council to address liability concerns and said accessible swings are common in other municipalities.

There was no formal council action on the request during the meeting; staff and the task force were identified as the appropriate follow‑up channels.