We, the undersigned residents and community members, respectfully request that the Township of Russell install a wheelchair-accessible swing in the Jonathan Pitre Park.

While Russell has already taken an important step by adding an accessible swing, the current model does not safely accommodate children or adults who are wheelchair-dependent and have complex needs. For these individuals, transferring out of their wheelchair is unsafe or impossible. This means that the existing equipment—though labeled “accessible”—still excludes some of the very people it was meant to serve.

A true wheelchair-accessible swing allows individuals to remain securely in their wheelchair while enjoying the experience of swinging. This ensures safety, dignity, and equal participation for children and adults with higher support needs.

Installing this equipment would:
• Address a critical safety concern for families.
• Ensure that public funds spent on accessibility benefit all residents.
• Demonstrate Russell’s commitment to being a community where inclusion is more than symbolic.

We urge the Township to allocate funding or explore grant opportunities to add a wheelchair-accessible swing to our parks. This single addition would transform our parks into safe and inclusive spaces where no one is left on the sidelines.

Together, we can ensure that Russell’s parks truly belong to everyone.

Sincerely,
Linda Tabet