New inclusive spray park and playground coming to Ontario Beach Park

Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello (far left) announces the planned opening of the Spray Park and Accessible Playground which will be placed at Ontario Beach Park. Also present at the groundbreaking was, from left to right, Monroe County Legislator Yversha Roman, Wegmans Community Relations Manager Linda Lovejoy, Ontario Beach Park Program Committee Member Jim Farr and President of Charlotte Community Association Jim Farr.

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello, alongside representatives from Wegmans, the Ontario Beach Park Program Committee, and the Charlotte Community Association, participated in a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday for a new inclusive spray park and playground at Ontario Beach Park.

The project, with a budget exceeding $2 million, is part of the ongoing Go Outside Monroe Parks Revitalization initiative, a comprehensive plan to renovate and upgrade facilities and infrastructure across the county's 23 parks.

The upcoming spray park will be the first of its kind within the Monroe County parks system, providing families with a refreshing water play area, officials said. Additionally, the playground will be the county's first inclusive playground, designed to ensure accessibility for individuals of all abilities.

"The natural beauty of Ontario Beach Park is being enhanced through ongoing upgrades and programming,” Bello said. “This new accessible spray park and playground, combined with Concerts by the Shore and the synthetic ice skating rink, will solidify Ontario Beach Park as a year-round destination for families.”

The playground's design will feature vibrant green and purple colors, incorporating animal and boat-themed equipment. It will also include ramps, an inclusive see-saw, a zip track, and interactive play panels. Both the spray park and playground will prioritize navigability and accessibility, ensuring ease of use for individuals who use wheelchairs or have mobility challenges, according to the plans.

Wegmans donated $50,000 to support both projects.

"Over the years, we've witnessed and actively participated in numerous positive changes and enhancements at Ontario Beach Park,” said Linda Lovejoy, Wegmans community relations manager. “We are proud to continue our support with this latest project.”