Heastie announces $1 million for an inclusive playground in Amherst

New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie on Monday continued his annual statewide tour in Erie County and, together with Assembly member Karen McMahon, announced $1 million in state funding to build an inclusive playground in Amherst Central Park.

Heastie and McMahon gathered at Amherst Town Hall to announce the construction of an inclusive playground, ice ribbon and splash pad. They were joined by Amherst Town Supervisor Brian Kulpa, Town of Amherst Youth and Recreation Department Executive Director Mary-Diana Pouli, Town of Amherst Director of Facilities Dan Rizzo and council members Shawn Lavin, Jacqualine G. Berger, Deborah Bruch Bucki and Michael Szulka.

 “Every child should have a place where they can play and have fun,” Heastie said. “This park will give kids here in Amherst a place to play, cool down in the hot summer months, and skate in the winter. I’m happy to be here today with Assembly member McMahon to announce this funding for such a great project.”

McMahon said, “Thank you to Speaker Heastie for supporting this accessible playground, which will be an important addition to the Amherst community. This inclusive playground, and the splash pad and ice ribbon, will make Amherst Central Park a destination for families and children for all seasons.”

Kulpa said, “It is thanks to support from our partners in Albany that Amherst Central Park will be the world-class destination that we envision. The grant announced today supports active park programming and will bring the first ice ribbon to New York state. As each piece comes together, Amherst Central Park is truly developing into the anchor of our community. I want to thank Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Assembly member McMahon for delivering this $1 million grant to the town.”