Establishes the everyone can play grant program which allows for grants up to $100,000 to municipalities to cover the costs for the creation of handicap accessible aspects in new or existing recreation facilities.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
 
BILL NUMBER: A9539
SPONSOR: Jensen
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the state finance law, in relation to establishing the
everyone can play grant program
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To create a grant program to allow municipalities to get funding to make
recreation facilities have handicap accessible aspects.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1 outlines the inclusion of a new paragraph establishing the
everyone can play grant program.
Section 2 establishes the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Santii is a third-grade student from Greece, NY who has used her voice
to inspire so many residents in her community through her activism to
create adaptive uses in recreational facilities and playgrounds. Her
mission to create inclusive environments for all kids began when she was
at a playground and felt bad that a young girl was not able to swing
like she could. From there, Santii advocated for the creation of acces-
sible recreational facilities, and with the help of Bill Reilich Greece
Town Supervisor and local nonprofits and businesses, the Town of Greece
was able to create an inclusive playground for all to enjoy.
As a state, we should be striving to ensure that all kids, regardless of
their ability, are able to enjoy playgrounds and recreational facili-
ties. As facilities continue to be built new or renovated, it's essen-
tial we make them inclusive for all New Yorkers. This bill would provide
an avenue for the state to alleviate the financial impact on local
taxpayers to create and/or renovate recreational facilities by offering
state assistance. New York state should be using Santii as an inspira-
tion to help local communities across the state to invest in accessible
playgrounds, so all kids can play.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New Bill
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
Unknown.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.