Lightstar Gives Back in Action

More children and caregivers with disabilities in Orange County will soon be able to play at Benedict Park playground. This is thanks to the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan and the Town of Montgomery’s work to create an inclusive and fully-accessible playground at the Benedict Park Playground. The addition will include a smooth rubberized surface that is easier to maneuver, shaded areas, a large, low-to-the-ground play structure, an inclusive whirl built into the ground, communication boards, new fencing to increase safety, and a multitude of adaptive swings that allow the inclusion of both children and caregivers with disabilities.

For children and caregivers with disabilities in Orange County, many playgrounds present barriers that limit their full access to the play space. During the October 6, 2022, Town Board meeting, Kaitlin Rickerd, a pediatric therapist, explained the need for playgrounds accessible to people with disabilities. Kaitlin’s goal, alongside the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan, is to raise $100,000 for the construction of the playground. Lightstar Renewables and its project development team donated $11,000 to the initiative, bringing the children of Orange County closer to enjoying a playground that has features everyone can use. A core part of Lightstar’s mission is ensuring that everyone can access the outdoors and participate fully in our communities.