Ribbon Cutting Ceremony – December 16, 2019
ASTON, Pa., Dec. 16, 2019 — Aston Township officials and representatives from Energy Transfer today held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to welcome children and families to the newly completed Smiles in the Playground, a handicap-accessible playground that is inclusive to all children, with a special focus on those with disabilities.
The project was made possible by a $306,466.47 donation from Energy Transfer to help build and equip the playground. Energy Transfer is one of the largest and most diversified energy logistics companies in the country. “It’s inspiring to see the kids — our future generations — able to play together without limitations and to flourish in an outdoor space of their very own,” said Jim Stigale, president of the Aston Township Board of Commissioners. “We are so thankful for Energy Transfer’s continued partnership and dedication to this community.”
Site work began in October to integrate the accessible, inclusive and state-of-the-art playground on the Aston Township Community Center property. Since 2006, Aston Township Commissioner Carol Graham has worked with the Aston Parks and Recreation Board to provide a handicap-accessible playground. The goal was to inspire children of the community to step outside their comfort zones and overcome any obstacles in their way. The park includes a wheelchair-accessible carousel, an explorer dome and a double tower, which all serve to train for cross-coordination, balance and spatial awareness.
“This park is an incredible resource that empowers local children of all abilities to feel included and truly grow with the community,” said Joe McGinn, Energy Transfer’s vice president of public affairs and government relations. “We commend Aston Township for bringing this vision to life, and we are proud to have worked on this development together.”
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Carol Graham, Aston Township Commissioner
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Joe McGinn, Energy Transfer’s Vice President of Public Affairs and Government Relations
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Kit Spayd, Aston resident and ‘Smiles in the Playground’ project visionary
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