Puckett said the effort began in November 2012 with fundraising of $4,065 — with a $1,000 donation from the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities. The Hanover Twp. trustees contributed $1,600 to the project.
Puckett said Hanover Park now meets standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Bruce Henry, township administrator, said he believes Hanover Twp. was selected for the project because of the heavy use of the park and close location to Hamilton, Oxford and Fairfield. The four-acre park is open seven days a week.
“The trustees are excited to do these kinds of things,” Henry said. “The park is a high priority because it’s chance for families to get together for safe and fun times.”
About 30 people attended the dedication ceremony last week, including Butler County Commissioner Cindy Carpenter, State Representative Tim Derickson (R-Hanover Twp.) and officials from Butler County DD. The group was joined by a local family served by Butler County DD, Danielle and Porfirio Ortiz and their 3-year-old daughter Evelyn.
“Everybody there was crying … seeing the little girl and the joy on her face to be just like all the other kids,” Puckett said.
Carpenter attended the ceremony with daughter Megan, 26, who has multiple disabilities. Carpenter said this was one of the most enjoyable official ceremonies she’s attended because it hits close to home for her.
“There is a need and that’s why it’s so touching for me because there’s been a change in acceptance since the 1980s when my daughter was born,” Carpenter said. “It’s exciting and heart-warming; I think it will set the stage and serve as a model (for the county).”
Puckett said the project was for her introduction to disability studies course which she took in the fall of 2012. The other students on the project were Bethany Kelley, Tara Brown, Hannah Ellinghausen and Alexandra Spencer.
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