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Realtors secure $7,500 grant, ask Bangor council to greenlight accessible playground equipment at Hayford Park
Summary
Parks staff and the Greater Bangor Association of Realtors asked the council to place an order on the agenda to work toward installing an accessible glider and a wheelchair-friendly merry-go-round at Hayford Park; the association said it has secured a $7,500 National Association of Realtors grant and the council voted to keep the item on new business for tonight.
Parks and Recreation Director Tracy Watt asked the Bangor City Council workshop on Monday to authorize staff to work with the Greater Bangor Association of Realtors on purchasing and installing accessible, multi-user playground equipment at Hayford Park.
The request centers on two pieces of equipment: a wheelchair-accessible glider and a merry-go-round designed to accommodate children and adults who remain in wheelchairs. Beth Roybal, a member of the Greater Bangor Association of Realtors, said the association has secured the largest available grant from the National Association of Realtors — $7,500 — and that the local association will front costs and be reimbursed after installation is complete.
"We did get that secured," Roybal told the council. "The largest one is $7,500. We have to get this installed in order to receive those funds." She described the effort as deeply personal: her niece uses a wheelchair and could not access typical playground equipment.
Watt said the order on the council's agenda would authorize staff to cooperate with the association, pursue estimates, and explore cost savings by combining shipping and installation with a separate Williams Park project. "The language in the order allows staff to be able to work with the association," Watt said, adding staff would seek installation and shipping estimates and pursue manufacturer or community grants if needed.
Councilors asked about additional funding sources and whether manufacturers or other programs might help close the gap if more money is required. Roybal said the association can support local fundraising and that volunteers in the realtor community are prepared to help.
The council took a roll-call vote to keep the parks order on the agenda for new business tonight; the motion passed. With the item held for tonight's meeting, the council will have the opportunity to consider the formal order, staff estimates and any fundraising commitments before any purchase or installation is authorized.
If approved, the project would be installed at Hayford Park, which staff said already has accessible parking and paths. The council and staff did not provide a total equipment or installation cost estimate at the workshop; Watt said staff will return with estimates and recommended next steps.
