Accessible playground, park project pitched for Arnold

When Devin Moore takes his daughters to parks and playgrounds in the New Kensington area, he finds they struggle with, or can’t use, some or all of the amenities there.

And he thinks his isn’t the only family experiencing that.

That’s why Moore is pitching an idea to New Kensington and Arnold leaders to bring a park and playground to the area that would be accessible to all children.

His 6-year-old daughter, Journey, has autism; and his 3-year-old daughter, Tayven, has a physical disability.

“All the parks in this area are not really accessible to (Tayven),” Moore said. “I thought of the idea of trying to start a playground that’s accessible to all kids.

“I just don’t want my kid — and other kids — to be restricted.”

Twenty-five percent of students in the New Kensington-Arnold School District have special needs, according to the state Department of Education. The number is 15.7% in Burrell School District, 18% in Kiski Area, 21% in Allegheny Valley, 22.1% in Deer Lakes and 23.1% in Highlands.

A playground could include handicapped-accessible swings or sensory panels. Moore, who works in construction, estimated a park layout at $62,000. If a nearby structure were built, the cost would increase to $120,000. He has drafted a proposal with a help of a grant writer.

Moore held a meeting at The Tomb, formerly Lazarus Tomb, in Arnold last week about the proposal. He plans to present it to Arnold Council on Tuesday.

Arnold is supportive of the idea, Mayor Shannon Santucci said. A possible place where the playground could be built would be at 18th Street Park.

“It’s the beginning steps of a wonderful idea,” she said.

Moore is working to secure funding for the project. He plans another meeting at The Tomb from 6 to 8 p.m. July 23.

“I’ll do the work,” Moore said. “I don’t drag my feet. When I say I want something done, I try to get people involved.”