BY ELAINE VAN DEVELDE
Staff Writer
EDISON — There’s nothing stopping physically disabled residents headed to Roosevelt Park with recreation on their minds.
The park has a section which is "barrier-free," or poses no recreational restrictions for physically challenged people.
What is referred to as the park’s "level" playing fields have been bestowed the Robert Kinsey Memorial Design Award by the state’s Recreation and Park Association, during the group’s annual conference March 16 in Atlantic City.
"This [type of restriction-free park] is a very good idea and we think the users will really appreciate it," said Robert Hogan, Recreation and Park Association awards committee member.
While the barrier-free concept is one which eliminates what would normally pose problems, or raise barriers, for people with disabilities who attempt to play sports or exercise in a public park, this facility has gone above and beyond status quo standards, said Stephen J. "Pete" Dalina, freeholder deputy director and chairman of the county’s Parks and Recreation Committee in a prepared statement.
"We wanted to reward a project that exceeded the standard in so many cases. This park does that," Hogan added.
Roosevelt Park’s level playing fields, completed in September of 2003, have accommodations that far exceed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) parameters for handicapped accessibility in several ways, making it one of a kind in the state, the statement from Dalina’s office said.
"The county continually looks for ways to serve all our residents and this park offers a chance for our population with disabilities to have fun outdoors," Dalina added.
The fields are comprised of vulcanized rubber surfaces to make mobility easy for wheelchairs and other equipment. Basketball and tennis courts are 100 percent wheelchair accessible and level to prevent accidents. There are ramps, special rest room accommodations, a pavilion, playground and covered walkway. There is also plenty of handicapped parking.
The location of the fields is another plus, Dalina’s statement said. "It’s a tremendous facility in a beautiful setting along Roosevelt Park Lake," Dalina said. We’re delighted with our residents’ response to it and with the recognition from the New Jersey Recreation and Park Association."
Dalina added that another first in county facilities is also at the site – a family skating rink.