ASTON, Pa., Dec. 16, 2019 — Aston Township officials and representatives from Energy Transfer today held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to welcome children and families to the newly completed Smiles in the Playground, a handicap-accessible playground that is inclusive to all children, with a special focus on those with disabilities.
The project was made possible by a $306,466.47 donation from Energy Transfer to help build and equip the playground. Energy Transfer is one of the largest and most diversified energy logistics companies in the country.
“It’s inspiring to see the kids — our future generations — able to play together without limitations and to flourish in an outdoor space of their very own,” said Jim Stigale, president of the Aston Township Board of Commissioners. “We are so thankful for Energy Transfer’s continued partnership and dedication to this community.”
Site work began in October to integrate the accessible, inclusive and state-of-the-art playground on the Aston Township Community Center property. Since 2006, Aston Township Commissioner Carol Graham has worked with the Aston Parks and Recreation Board to provide a handicap-accessible playground. The goal was to inspire children of the community to step outside their comfort zones and overcome any obstacles in their way. The park includes a wheelchair-accessible carousel, an explorer dome and a double tower, which all serve to train for cross-coordination, balance and spatial awareness.
“This park is an incredible resource that empowers local children of all abilities to feel included and truly grow with the community,” said Joe McGinn, Energy Transfer’s vice president of public affairs and government relations. “We commend Aston Township for bringing this vision to life, and we are proud to have worked on this development together.”
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About Aston Township
Aston, Pa., was first settled in 1682 as a municipality and was incorporated as a township in 1688. In 1906, it became a first-class township. Prior to 1687, Aston was known as Northley. Edward Carter, who was the constable of the township, changed the name from Northley to Aston in remembrance of his old home in Oxfordshire, England. Today, Aston covers approximately seven square miles, with a population of about 15,000. For more information on the Smiles in the Playground project, visit www.astontownship.net.