Arlington Heights Park Foundation Wins Village's First Disability Inclusion Award

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — The Arlington Heights Park Foundation has been named the first recipient of the village's Disability Inclusion Award.

The new recognition was created by the Arlington Heights Commission for Citizens with Disabilities to honor people, organizations and initiatives that help make the community more accessible and inclusive for people of all abilities.

The inaugural award drew 17 nominations from the community. After reviewing the nominees, the commission selected the Park Foundation for its work supporting inclusive recreational opportunities.

The foundation played a major role in bringing an all-inclusive playground to Recreation Park, leading a fundraising effort that brought in $200,000 toward the project.

The playground was designed to give children of varying abilities opportunities to play, explore and connect.

Recognition Set For Sept. 26

The Park Foundation will be formally recognized during the village's first All Kinds of Awesome: A Celebration of Abilities event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Camelot Park Community Center, 1005 E. Suffield Drive.

The free, family-friendly event will feature music, community organizations, crafts, raffle prizes and activities for all ages.

The Commission for Citizens with Disabilities is made up of nine Arlington Heights residents who volunteer to promote the needs and concerns of people with disabilities and work with the village and other government agencies on accessibility and inclusion.