Richmond Hill
November 06, 2008 11:14 PM, By: Adam Mc Lean, www.yorkregion.com

Council recognizes an inspirational family

A sign towering over the playground at Crosby Park says it all: ‘Something for everyone’.

And it is in this spirit Richmond Hill gave something to the Steplock family.

The Steplocks were instrumental as one of the contributors to the idea behind the park that allows access to everyone.

Four years ago, Sandy Steplock attended a meeting about a local park and pointed out there was nothing in the plans that would make the park accessible for her son, Matheson, who has cerebral palsy.

Today, the Steplock family has a park where Matheson, 7, can play with his younger brother Zachery, 5, and, as of Monday night, they have a framed photo and plaque of the family alongside Mayor Dave Barrow and Councillor Arnie Warner at the fully-accessible park.

The presentation was made at a council meeting.

Zachery, still decked out in his hockey equipment, had just come from a game.

“Matheson and Zachery were our poster boys for this park initiative and they were our inspiration,” Mr. Warner said. “They truly represent this character community endeavour and they are truly a character family as you can see,” he added.

The park was opened in September.

“All I wanted was a place where my boys could play together,” Mrs. Steplock said. “Matheson would get upset that he couldn’t play with Zachery at other parks, but thanks to Arnie and council, because they listened to our words, my boys have a wonderland here in town.”

The main playground structure has ramps for wheelchairs and walkers and an elevated sandbox creates an easy play area for those who cannot sit on the ground.

Play surfaces are rubberized, slides are wider, and even swing sets are accessible. A waterpark is designed to accommodate plastic wheelchairs, which will be available to sign out from the adjacent Centennial pool.

Crosby Park is also equipped to provide stimulation to children with cognitive disabilities, visionary problems and autism.

The excited Steplock boys and their exhausted parents are proof of the park’s popularity and Zachery Steplock let everyone at council know about it.

“If you want to have fun, go to Crosby Park,” the five-year-old said into council microphones before personally greeting everyone in the audience.

Zachery then raised the presented photo over his head as though he had just won the Stanley Cup, to the amusement of all in attendance.

Articles