Bronx, NY – Today, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (D-Bronx) presented a $125,000 check to Riverdale YM-YWHA Chief Executive Officer Deann Forman for the construction of a new, barrier-free playground for young children at the Riverdale YM-YWHA. The barrier-free playground, first of its kind in the Northwest Bronx, will allow children of all abilities to access outdoor play equipment.

Assemblyman Dinowitz said, “While Riverdale and surrounding communities are great places for families, more can be done to ensure that children of all abilities have a safe place to play in their neighborhood. I am pleased to provide funding for a new barrier-free playground at the Riverdale YM-YWHA. This playground will be the first that is accessible to every family with young children, including those with special-needs children, in my 81st Assembly District, and I feel fortunate have the opportunity to partner with the Riverdale Y, a first-rate organization that does much to strengthen the ties within our community.”

Deann Forman, CEO of the Riverdale Y said, “This playground, made possible by Assemblyman Dinowitz, is a tremendous step in better meeting the social, recreational and wellness needs of Riverdale families with children with special needs. And it will make it possible for parents and caregivers with physical challenges to play alongside their children.”

Barrier-free playgrounds are designed to be accessible to all children, including those with mental and physical disabilities. Barrier-free improvements often include removing barriers such as curbs, fences, and uneven surfaces, installing universally accessible pathways, and adding ramped wheelchair access to platform centers.

To further serve children with special needs, the Riverdale Y is hosting a community Run/Walk on Sunday May 3rd. More than 1,000 people are expected to participate in a 5K, 10K and Half Marathon with proceeds funding programming and support groups for families of children with special needs.

Rooted in Jewish values, The Riverdale YM-YWHA brings together members of the Jewish and wider community through cultural, social, educational, and health and wellness programs that offer members of all ages multiple pathways into the richness of community life. The Riverdale Y strives to improve the quality of life for residents of Riverdale and celebrate the community’s uniqueness and diversity. For more information on the Riverdale Y, including the Run/Walk event on May 3rd, visit the Riverdale Y Web site.