July 13th, 2022 Press Release:
A grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony are scheduled next week for the new inclusive playground equipment at Centennial Park. The We-Go-Swing allows people of all abilities the opportunity to play together. The celebration is scheduled for Thursday, July 21, at 2:00pm. The community is encouraged to come join the festivities, play on this innovative swing and enjoy all of the amenities that this award-winning park has to offer.
June 21st, 2022 Press Release:
The City of Rifle is proud to announce the addition of a We-Go-Swing to the playground at Centennial Park. The swing allows individuals of all abilities to play together. The innovative equipment can be used by multiple people at the same time and doesn’t require a transfer from a mobility device or additional assistance from caregivers, thus encouraging independence.
Adding inclusive equipment has been a longtime goal of Austin Rickstrew, Assistant Director Parks and Recreation. After much research, Austin decided that the We-Go-Swing was the best fit for Rifle. According to Tom Whitmore, Director Parks and Recreation, this is going to be a great addition to the park and people were excited even before construction began.
“Austin recognized a gap in what we had and what we needed. We really appreciate his hard work in bringing this to fruition”.
Austin volunteered for many years with the Riding Institute for Disabled Equestrians (RIDE) in Silt which helped inspire his desire to add more opportunities for people of differing abilities.
“I looked at our own equipment and realized that we needed to be at the forefront of making change. I am excited for the area and the region since this swing has great developmental benefits,” stated Rickstrew.
The swing will be fully operational at the end of next week and citizens are encouraged to come down to Centennial Park and check it out. City staff will have a formal dedication and ribbon-cutting after the Fourth of July weekend.
For updated information on all City matters, please go to our website, www.rifleco.org or our Facebook and Twitter pages.