A Black Cloud Hangs Over Shrewsbury

I am so disgusted as a Shrewsbury resident after finding out that my town filed a variance with the Architectural Access Board regarding the Paton Playground. The issue is the manufactured wood fibers that is currently the foundation for the new playground. While the Americans with Disabilities Act allows such material to be used in new playgrounds, the access laws of Massachusetts does not permit it due to it not being safe and stable for persons with mobility impairments.  Massachusetts requires that playgrounds have accessible route of travel under under 521 CMR 20:00.  Asphalt and rubber surfaces provide a safe route of travel for individuals with mobility impairments.

 I can't believe that my town is openly going to discriminate against children and others with mobility impairments. Are we living in the 1950's again where towns in the South openly and legally discriminated against Blacks and Jews? Shame! Shame! Shame!  What are we teaching our children? I am teaching my three year old that children who are wheelchair users are just like any other child who wants to have fun. My child would cry quite loudly if his friend could not play with him in a playground with wood fibers. 

I don't understand how a few public officials openly said on record that the Paton Playground would be accessible. Please explain to wheelchair users, particularly, children, how they can play with their friends if they can't get to the equipment to so.  I would love to get that on camera.

If for some reason the variance is granted, I challenge the public officials and those parents to get themselves into a wheelchair and move across the manufactured wood fibers on opening day. I am sure your hands and bottoms will be quite sore.

Please call your town official to withdraw the variance. It is not the right thing to do.