County Executive Adam Bello Breaks Ground on New Inclusive Spray Park and Playground at Ontario Beach Park

May 30th, 2023

Wegmans donates $50,000 for construction of this project

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello today joined Wegmans representatives, the Ontario Beach Park Program Committee and Charlotte Community Association to break ground on a more than $2 million inclusive spray park and playground coming to Ontario Beach Park this year.

The playground and spray park are part of the County Executive’s ongoing $16.6 million Go Outside Monroe Parks Revitalization initiative, which seeks to renovate and upgrade facilities and infrastructure throughout the county’s 23 park system. The spray park will be the first in the Monroe County parks system, while the playground will be the first inclusive playground in the parks.

“The natural features of Ontario Beach are being enhanced with ongoing upgrades and programming, this new accessible spray park and playground, combined with Concerts by the Shore and the synthetic ice skating rink cement this Ontario Beach Park as a year- round destination for families,” said County Executive Bello. “Thank you to our incredible county parks staff and my partners at the County Legislature for making this project happen. Thanks to Wegmans for their generous donation and partnering with us to create a more inclusive park for all to enjoy.”

Ontario Beach Park is heavily used by the public to cool off on hot summer days. The spray park will give families more options to play and cool down no matter the water conditions of Lake Ontario.

The playground design will have green and purple colors while featuring animal and boat- themed equipment. It was also have ramps, an inclusive see-saw, a zip track and interactive play panels.

Both the spray park and playground will be easily navigable and accessible for individuals who use wheelchairs or with mobility-challenges.

Wegmans Food Markets provided a generous donation of $50,000 to both projects. Wegmans has partnered with Monroe County and the Ontario Beach Park Program Committee for 33

years by sponsoring major events like Concerts by the Shore, restoring animals on the historic Dentzel carousel and restoring the light at the Charlotte Genesee Lighthouse.

“Over the years, we’ve seen and been a part of so many positive changes and enhancements at Ontario Beach Park, and we’re proud to continue that support with this latest project,” said Linda Lovejoy, Wegmans community relations manager. “Our employees have volunteered countless hours serving the community at the Concerts by the Shore series, and seen firsthand what a great resource the park is for the community.”

“For more than 30 years the OBPPC has worked with the County and Wegmans to bring free, family entertainment and activities to the beach and port area. These improvements fit perfectly with our mission to activate the area and to provide an inclusive experience for everyone to enjoy this beautiful part of our community,” said Chairperson for the Ontario Beach Park Program Committee, Jim Farr.

Ontario Beach Park is the most accessible and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) friendly park in the county parks system with miles of walkways on relatively gently graded or flat asphalt improved surfaces. Last year, County Executive Bello announced the installation of a 305-foot ADA compliant access mat to allow those with mobility issues to access the beachfront.

Under the Go Outside Monroe initiative, the county installed a synthetic ice rink in Ontario Beach Park, renovated the ski lodge in Northampton Park and installed pickleball courts in Black Creek and Mendon Ponds parks, among other projects.

Upcoming renovations include the historic Dentzel Carousel and an ADA-accessible canoe/kayak launch at Churchville Park.