Putnam County approves application for $100,000 grant to make Veterans Memorial Park playground accessible and sensory

Putnam County legislators voted Aug. 20 to apply for a roughly $100,000 state grant to upgrade the playground at Veterans Memorial Park into an accessible, inclusive and sensory playground.
County staff said the state grant availability was communicated via a state senator’s office and that the project team worked with the county Office for People with Disabilities and the Department of Public Works to identify accessibility needs. Commissioner Barroso presented the grant application and said the funding would improve the existing playground rather than add a separate new play area.
Why it matters: The investment aims to make the county park’s playground usable for children and adults with mobility and sensory needs, expanding inclusive recreation options.
Details: The staff presentation identified an available award of $100,000 and said the county would use the funds to upgrade the existing playground at Veterans Memorial Park. Legislators asked whether the project would replace or improve the existing play structure; staff confirmed it would be an improvement. The motion to apply for the grant was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.
Next steps: County staff will submit the grant application through the senator’s office and coordinate DPW and disability-office planning if awarded.