Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner signed legislation Wednesday sponsored by State Representative Charlie Meier (R-Okawville) to make handicap-accessible park projects a priority.
According to Rep. Meier, “I introduced this legislation to make handicap-accessible park projects a priority in Illinois because of Hannah Berndsen, her family and friends which built Hannah’s playground this year in Breese. There are too few parks that provide this kind of access, and I wanted to shine a light on this very important issue.”
The new law P.A. 99-0391, directs the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) to add to the criteria for giving park projects priority, handicap-accessible playground equipment such as ramped, ground-level play features, accessible swings, wheelchair accessible tables, adjustable equipment, universally accessible swings, and transfer platforms.
Rep. Meier added, “My focus, as State Representative, has always been helping those who need it. I believe that improving our parks by making them more handicap-accessible will give families that need help the most some much needed relief. Improving our parks by making them handicap-accessible will allow parents and their children to escape the stresses of home by being able to enjoy the outdoors.”