1 firefighter transported to hospital after medical emergency

MEDINA – Firefighters put out a basement fire in Medina this afternoon. One firefighter had a medical emergency while working at the scene.

Immediate care was rendered and the firefighter was transported to a hospital. No additional information is being released at this time about the firefighter, said Steve Cooley, lieutenant of Medina Fire Department, fire investigator and the public information officer.

Firefighters were dispatched to 515 North Academy St. at 2:09 p.m. for a reported basement fire. All residents were out of the structure by 2:14 p.m. There were no civilian injuries.

Medina firefighters extinguished a small fire in the basement as other personnel performed searches and ventilation. Damage estimates are $1,000 to the structure and $5,000 in contents, Cooley said.

Both families at the site are being assisted by the Red Cross at this time until repairs can be made.

The fire cause has been ruled accidental. The fire Investigation was handled by the Village of Medina Fire Department’s Fire Investigation Unit with assistance provided by the Orleans County Fire Investigation Unit.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Marguerite Sherman takes the oath of office on Monday as Medina’s new mayor. Her husband Jon Sherman holds the Bible while village clerk-treasurer Jada Burgess administers the oath.

Sherman took over as mayor on Monday following eight years of Mike Sidari in the village’s top elected position.

Sherman was on the board for 10 years as a trustee, as was the village’s deputy mayor. She is a retired special education teacher.

“I’m excited for this new board,” Sherman said after the swearing-in. “I think we will continue to do great things.”

Newly elected trustees Deborah Padoleski and Mark Prawel also took the oath on Monday for the start of their two-year terms. They join Diana Baker and Jess Marciano on the Village Board.

The group will be meeting several times this month to work on the village budget for 2024-25. That budget needs to be adopted by April 30.

The board will be busy this month working on the budget, which must be adopted by April 30. Budget workshops are scheduled for 5 p.m. today with DPW, 5:30 p.m. on April 11 with the fire department, 5 p.m. on April 16 with codes and the police department, 5 p.m. on April 17, 5:30 p.m. on April 18 and 5 p.m. on April 19.

Those meetings are at the Village Clerk’s Office on Park Avenue.

Debbie Padoleski is sworn into office while her husband Tom holds the Bible and Mayor Marguerite Sherman administers the oath. Padoleski is a former Medina village clerk-treasurer. She worked 41 years in the village office. She retired in June 2021.

The board made several appointments during the organizational meeting. The appointments are for one year unless otherwise noted.

• Deputy mayor: Deborah Padoleski
• Fair housing officer: Diana Baker
• Village Historian: Todd Bensley
• Clerk-Treasurer (2-year term): Jada Burgess
• Deputy Clerk-Treasurer (2-year term): Miranda Herbert
• Registrar: Jada Burgess; Deputy registrar: Miranda Herbert
• 2 members to Zoning Board of Appeals for five-year terms: Luann Howe and Jamie Wagner
• 2 members to Boxwood Cemetery Commission for 3-year terms: Nicki Fredericks and Mary Lewis
• Member of Parks Committee for 2-year term: Chris Goyette
• 3 members to Tourism Committee for 2-year terms: Jim Hancock, Kelly Kiebala and Janet Smith
• Village attorney: Matthew Brooks
• Official depositories for the village: Bank of Castile and J.P. Morgan Chase
• Official newspaper: The Daily News in Batavia

The board set workshop meetings for the Village Board will be the second Monday of the month at 7 p.m. with village business meetings the fourth Monday at 7 p.m. The meetings will be at the Senior Center on West Avenue.

Mark Prawel takes the oath as new village trustee while his wife Tina holds the Bible. Prawel is a retired Medina police officer who also owns and operate an auto repair shop.

Trustees were named liaisons to the following committees and departments:

• Fire/Ambulance Advisory: Baker
• Code Enforcement: Prawel
• Employee Relations: Marciano and Padoleski
• Town of Ridgeway: Marciano
• Orleans County: Marciano
• Boxwood Cemetery: Baker
• Tourism Committee: Padoleski
• Strategic Visionary Planning Committee: Prawel
• Police Advisory Committee: Marciano
• Police: Padoleski
• DPW: Marciano
• Clerk-Treasurer: Sherman
• Town of Shelby: Baker
• Parks Committee: Marciano
• Joint Recreation: Padoleski, Marciano
• Waterfront Development Committee: Prawel

Ahmed has several health challenges, including a club foot

Provided photos: Ahmed, a 9-year-old from Tunisia, faces several health challenges. Volunteers from World Life Institute and the Voice Gavel Club are planning a benefit April 20 at the YMCA in Medina to help with his medical care.

MEDINA – A young boy from Tunisia with multiple health problems is getting a new lease on life, thanks to young volunteers from World Life Institute-Project Life, and the Voice Gavel Club. The Voice Gavel Club is a youth public speaking component affiliated with Toastmasters International.

Ahmed Cherif was brought to the United States by his mother last year to stay with relatives here. He was born with a club foot, is non-verbal, developmentally delayed and has left facial paralysis.

Since arriving in Western New York, Ahmed has been identified as having Oro-Facial Syndrome Type II, Rumination Syndrome, autism and bone growth delay. He also suffers from allergies and asthma.

Ahmed is under the care of the pediatric team at Golisano Children’s Hospital, part of the University of Rochester health system. His most prominent medical problem was persistent vomiting and inability to retain what he ate. He was facing the probability of a feeding tube. Last July he weighed only 35 pounds.

He still has a lot of tests and treatments ahead, including further neurological evaluation, starting with an MRI of his brain. He will also be assessed for spinal scoliosis.

Linda Shakoor, director of Project Life, said, “Project Life is committed to supporting vulnerable youth and fostering a culture of support, especially from Orleans County. Medina Area Association of Churches and many other churches in Medina and Albion have supported more than 130 world orphans hosted here since 1999. The relationships these children form when they receive local kindnesses lasts throughout their lives.”

Since Ahmed arrived in the United States in January 2023, Project Life has had the privilege to support improving his life. According to Noori Bibi, vice president of the YMCA board, when he came here he had never seen a dentist. He has now received extensive dental treatment, including surgery.

He had worn leg braces since the age of 3, but no longer needs the braces, thanks to supportive physical therapy in the last six months. His eyes were tested and he now wears corrective glasses.

Ahmed is staying in Medina while receiving medical care.

Some of his digestive issues have subsided due to tests done at Yale University, where he was diagnosed with Rumination Syndrome. Now, with medication, he has gained weight and the vomiting has subsided. He is up to 45 pounds and is outgrowing his clothes for the first time in three years. He’s an inch taller and is benefiting from ongoing physical, occupational, vision and speech therapy.

Over the summer, Ahmed had the opportunity to play with other children during activities arranged through Project Life. He was able to visit the zoo, go to the beach and visit Niagara Falls. He is still shy due to little interaction with other children, but he is slowly beginning to integrate.

Ahmed had never attended school, but with support of Project Life he was enrolled in Aspire in Buffalo, a school for special needs children. He loved his first day so much he did not want to get out of the van when they returned home. At the school open house, teachers and staff praised Ahmed and commented on how bright and easy going he was. For the first time, he was able to hold crayons and color. He has also begun to recognize letters and numbers in English.

On April 20, the YMCA will host a special event to benefit Ahmed and his medical costs.

“Ahmed has inspired his friends to come together to raise crucial funds to enhance his quality of life,” Bibi said. “Driven by a desire to showcase the power of creativity of youth, these ambitious young people are working hard to organize an engaging family day for the whole community.”

The event will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. and feature a fashion show and captivating performances and presentations. Attendees will be immersed in a world of entertainment and camaraderie, Bibi added. A silent auction, creativity in art workshops, delicious treats at the Bake and Samosa Sale and charity basketball game are some of the events planned.

In addition, there will be an opportunity to engage in thought-provoking discussions at the speakers’ corner, enjoy intricate designs with face painting and henna and explore a variety of arts and crafts at the sale. For the younger children, there will be a bounce house, games and more.

Safia Delobbe-Scott, 15, is one of the young leaders driving the event’s efforts.

“We are driven by a deep passion to make a meaningful difference in Ahmed’s life, while highlighting the extraordinary potential of youth,” Delobbe-Scott said. “This event will be a celebration of unity and compassion, showcasing the positive impact we can have when we come together.”

The community is invited to meet Ahmed, loving and vivacious despite his many challenges, and support the extensive medical interventions he requires, Shakoor said.

Anyone wishing further information or wanting to inquire about sponsorship opportunities should contact info@worldlife.institute.

For information on the event and Ahmed or to make a donation, click here.

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health has announced an informative partnership with Lee-Whedon Memorial Library which introduces a comprehensive monthly health and wellness series, according to information from Scott Robinson, director of Marketing, Communications and Outreach at the hospital.

This initiative aims to empower and educate the community members on various healthcare services available, Robinson said.

The collaborative effort underscores the hospital’s goal of education the community on what’s available close to home. Through this series, Orleans Community Health aims to bridge the gap between healthcare professionals and the community, fostering a deeper understanding of available services and resources.

“Our goal at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library is to connect our community with the resources they want,” said Kristine Mostyn, director of Lee-Whedon. “This partnership with Orleans Community Health will allow us to educate and support our community’s health questions and concerns, as well as highlight the services available at OCH.”

The first session will kick off at 1 p.m. April 17 at Lee-Whedon. Each monthly session will cover a wide array of topics, including preventative care, specialized medical services and more. The series will also offer valuable information on healthcare enrollment and questions the public might have on Medicaid eligibility and procedures.

“This series is made possible by a common goal we share with Lee-Whedon Memorial Library to supply the community with resources that help them make educated decision,” Robinson said. “Whether it’s Medina Memorial Hospital, the Albion Healthcare Center, dialysis centers or the Middleport lab, we want to continue to provide information to the community that helps them make well-informed choices on the care they receive.”

The monthly health and wellness series will be open to all community members, regardless of age or background. Whether an individual is seeking guidance with specific questions or simply looking for generic information, this series promises to deliver valuable insights and resources, Robinson added.

He urges everyone to save the date of April 17 for the inaugural session. Announcements regarding upcoming topics will be forthcoming.

Together, Orleans Community Health and Lee-Whedon are dedicated to building a healthier, more informed community, Robinson said.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Jim Pinckney is crowned Dyngus Day king at the Sacred Heart Club this evening. Last year’s king Richard Glass puts the crown on Pinckney, a long-time active member and volunteer at the club.

Pinckney, a retired corrections officer, enjoys the celebration of Polish heritage at the Sacred Heart Club, but he said members don’t have to be Polish to join. The non-profit organization donates to veterans and other community organizations.

Pinckney was picked king because of all he does for the Sacred Heart Club, said JT Thomas, the club vice president.

Amy Silkowski is applauded after being announced as this year’s Dyngus Day queen. Last year’s king and queen, Richard and Kirsten Glass, are at right.

Silkowski’s husband David is a past king. She joined about five years ago. She assisted her husband in making the lazy pierogis for this year’s Dyngus Day feast.

Amy said the people are the big draw at the Sacred Heart Club.

“We’re like a big family,” she said.

She was praised for starting a euchre night at Sacred Heart every other Friday evening. She and her husband also repainted “the pit,” an area that is popular for celebrations.

JT Thomas served as the deejay and emcee of the Dyngus Day bash. He played music by Bobby Vinton, “The Polish Prince.”

There was lots of Polish food served including Golumpkis – Polish cabbage rolls that are stuffed with a mixture of beef, pork, rice and seasoning.

The Sacred Heart Club welcomed about 100 people for the Dyngus Day party, with many people wearing red in honor of the Polish celebration. The party started at 3 this afternoon.

Pussy willows were also available. In the Dyngus Day tradition, boys sprinkle water on the girls who then tap the boys with pussy willows as a way of flirting.

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Andrea and Zach Busch pose with Winston, their Labradoodle therapy dog, at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market.

MEDINA – The Canal Village Farmers’ Market welcomed a special guest on Saturday – a Labradoodle therapy dog named Winston.

Winston, 3, is owned by Zach and Andrea Busch, who acquired the dog when he was eight weeks old. As soon as he had received all his necessary puppy shots, Andrea took him to Fort Hyde Kennel in Gasport, where trainer Sarah Reed worked with Andrea to train Winston.

Both Zach and Andrea work with children. Zach as band director at Holley Central School, and Andrea as music teacher for kindergarten to second grade at Oak Orchard Elementary School.

“Research has shown that kids who read to a therapy dog feel more confident,” Andrea said.

Andrea became interested in therapy dogs after receiving her master’s degree in special education and teaching at a school for kids with disabilities in Manhattan.

“It made sense to get a therapy dog,” she said. “Wherever he goes, he’s a calming presence.”

This was the first time Winston had visited the market. There is a kids’ corner there and Andrea set out books for children who wanted to read to Winston.

She also brought a supply of bookmarks with a picture of the Labradoodle, on which was printed, “I read with Winston.”

The Canal Village Farmers’ Market will continue to operate in the former NAPA building at 345 Main St. until warmer weather.

Certified therapy dog handler Andrea Busch, left, watches Raelynn Baker greet Winston at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market on Saturday.

Andrea Busch, right, gives market visitor Stacey Laskey a supply of Winston bookmarks to take to her class at Medina Head Start.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Dale Cameron carries the cross in front and Jarred Saj is in back during today’s “Cross Walk,” a long-time tradition by the Medina Area Association of Churches. They are walking from the Cooper Funeral Home to the parking lot of the First Baptist Church.

The group made seven stops in the downtown and near the Canal Basin, sharing Scripture and singing hymns.

Pastor Jovannie Canales of the Oasis Church carries the cross in front with Matt Caldwell in back. They are crossing West Center Street.

The group was outside for more than an hour on a chilly day with temperatures in the high 30s.

Jovannie Canales and Matt Caldwell prepare to carry the cross from in front of Medina Historical Society to the Cooper Funeral Home. Neil Samborski is dressed as a centurion. He has worn that costume for several years during the Cross Walk.

The Rev. Randy LeBaron, pastor of the First Baptist Church, carries the front of the cross as the group heads through the arch of the Presbyterian Church.

The Medina churches will have an ecumenical Good Friday service this evening at 6:30 at the Oak Orchard Assembly of God, 12111 Ridge Rd.

The churches also will have a sunrise service at 7 a.m. on Easter at Boxwood Cemetery near Glenwood Lake.

GameTime design: The proposal for Medina from GameTime includes playground equipment would be accessible to children with disabilities and mobility issues.

MEDINA – The Village Board will be forming a committee to work on an inclusive playground at State Street Park.

Medina Mayor Mike Sidari will be retiring from the mayor position on March 31, but he will be on the committee for the playground. It’s a project he said he wants to see to completion. Village Trustee Jess Marciano also will be part of the group.

The two talked with representatives from the Rochester Area Community Foundation on Tuesday about funding for the playground.

The Village Board on Monday approved forming the committee. More members will be added to the committee. People interested in serving on the committee could fill out a volunteer application by stopping at the clerk’s office or checking the village website.

The playground will be accessible to children with disabilities and mobility issues. The village is looking to partner with the Rochester Community Foundation and Ralph C. Wilson Foundation to have the new playground at State Street Park.

GameTime has submitted a proposal for the playground that would cost $492,321. The Village Board is tasking the committee to seek grants and donations for the project so Medina’s only commitment would perhaps be some site work, with no direct financial contributions.

The proposal for an inclusive playground at State Street Park State includes PowerScape playgrounds with large decks and uprights to provide strength and capacity.

Other features include sensory wave seats, RoxAll See Saw, inclusive whirl, Bunny Spring Rider, four-bay swing frame, including two with a belt, two with enclosed tot, two with Zero G, one expression swing and one expression swing with a universal seat.

There would also be a freestanding sensory wave arch climber with sensors, four benches, geotextile rolls and wood fibers.

Walk will be Sept. 7, starting at State Street Park in Medina

Provided photo: Medina Mayor Mike Sidari joins Nicole Tuohey and her mother Mary Lou Tuohey in cutting symbolic elephant links to start the Orleans County Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Sept. 9, 2023 at State Street Park in Medina. Nicole sold the elephant links for $1 and she raised about $2,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association Western New York Chapter.

Press Release, WNY Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association

MEDINA – The Western New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association is excited to announce that Pam Canham and Mary Lou Tuohey will serve as co-chairs of the 2024 Orleans County Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

Canham is retired from the Orleans County Office for the Aging and Tuohey owns Case-Nic Cookies in Medina.

“I learned both professionally and personally, Alzheimer’s disease affects us all,” Canham said. “I’ve had many family members with dementia and it definitely makes caring for them even harder. My goal is to help eradicate this disease so my children do not have to become the caregiver of someone with dementia.”

“I am excited to once again participate in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. I walk in honor, memory and support of my mom, dad and two aunts who all passed from Alzheimer’s,” Tuohey said. “Remember those who forget to remember…”

The Orleans County Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be held on Saturday, Sept. 7, at State Street Park in Medina.

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research programs. The Alzheimer’s Association provides 24/7 care and support to those living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers, and accelerating critical research to combat this devastating disease.

According to the latest Alzheimer’s Association Facts and Figures report, nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease – a leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide unpaid care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In New York State alone, there are more than 426,000 people living with the disease, along with 543,000 caregivers.

To register and receive the latest updates on this year’s Orleans County Walk to End Alzheimer’s, visit: alz.org/WNYWalk.

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Mike Sidari enjoys some punch during a brief reception at Monday’s Village Board meeting, his last time presiding over the Village Board meeting as mayor. He is chatting with Gabrielle Barone, center, and Debbie Padoleski.

Barone is vice president for business development for the Orleans Economic Development Agency. She said she frequently reached out to Sidari about possible business projects in Medina. Padoleski is retired as Medina’s village clerk/treasurer. She was elected trustee last week and starts April 1 on the Village Board.

Sidari has been Medina mayor the past eight years, and was a trustee for two years before that. Sidari opted not to seek re-election last week. Marguerite Sherman, the current deputy mayor, starts her term on April 1. There will be a 5 p.m. swearing-in that day for Sherman and the new trustees, Mark Prawel and Padoleski.

There will be an open house on Thursday from 1 to 4 p.m. for people to stop by and see Sidari at the village clerk’s office at 119 Park Ave.

Mike Sidari, center, reads a statement near the end of the Village Board meeting on Monday at the senior center. From left include trustees Jess Marciano, Marguerite Sherman, Tim Elliott and Diana Baker.

Sidari has been mayor during a time of several major business projects in Medina, as well as several community initiatives including a new dog park, skate park, an upgraded Pine Street Park with a splash pad, and much improved Boxwood Cemetery.

Sidari also helped Medina with the successful application for a $4.5 NY Forward grant from the state for downtown and waterfront projects. The state is expected to soon announce how that grant will be spent in the community.

The mayor said people have often remarked about Medina’s success during his tenure as mayor, with many telling him he was doing a great job. He was quick to respond it’s been a team effort in Medina.

“The one thing I can lay claim to is surrounding myself with some of the best trustees, department heads, workforce, committee members and business owners that a mayor can ask for,” he said, reading from his statement. “There are too many people that have contributed to the village, I can only say a general sincere heart felt public thank you to all of you. Your efforts and forward thinking made my job easier to navigate.”

The trustees may have disagreed, but Sidari said all were focused on reaching a resolution that was best for the village.

“I can honestly say all of them had the best interest in this place we call home,” he said. “It has been said that a political is in this for himself, a public servant is in this for the people. All of us have been public servants for the people of Medina.”

He encouraged residents to become active in the village.

“There are many opportunities to volunteer,” Sidari said. “If someone is thinking about throwing their hat in for a board position, get involved in a committee or two, come to board meetings and learn how things get done.”

Sidari said he made a promise to himself when he was elected mayor eight years was to do his best for the village “and try not to get too many people made at me. I hope in the eyes of the community I kept that promise.”

Sidari said he is available to help the new board during the transition to a new administration.

“Remember, it’s a must that all of you work together.”

He thanked his wife Brenda to putting up with all the meetings, phone calls and emails day and night.

The Village Board members and the crowd at the meeting stand and applaud Mike Sidari near the end of Monday’s Village Board meeting.

He was praised by department heads for his leadership while they managed their departments with planning projects, handling personnel issues and adhering to budgets.

Code Enforcement Officer Dan Gardner, Police Chief Todd Draper, Fire Chief Matt Jackson, DPW Superintendent Jason Watts and Village Clerk/Treasurer Jada Burgess all commended Sidari for his work as mayor.

They also praised Tim Elliott for his eight years of service as a village trustee. He lost a close election last week.

Jada Burgess said she witnessed Sidari’s dedication to the village, and praised him for “serving with integrity, knowledge and always being available to the taxpayers.”

The mayor worked with volunteers to implement improvements to the parks, including a skate park, new basketball court, a splash pad and now the early stages of an inclusive playground at Skate Street Park.

“His motto hasn’t ever been ‘I did this,’” Burgess said. “It has been, ‘We did this,’ knowing that the members of this community are what continues to move Medina forward in a  positive direction.”

Burgess thanked Sidari for helping her grow in her position as clerk-treasurer for the village.

She also praised Trustee Elliott for his service on the board.

“His insight has been refreshing, often bringing an out-of-the-box thinking which is beneficial to the board,” Burgess said about Elliott.

Medina voters today elected Marguerite Sherman as mayor, with Debbie Padoleski and Mark Prawel as village trustees.

MEDINA – Village residents today elected Marguerite Sherman to be Medina’s next mayor. Sherman received 330 votes to the 158 for Mike Maak.

Sherman has been a village trustee the past 10 years and is the current deputy mayor. She is a retired special education teacher.

Voters also elected Debbie Padoleski and Mark Prawel as village trustees. Padoleski received the most votes for trustee with 267 followed by 198 for Prawel, 195 for Jeff Pasnik, 185 for Tim Elliott and 91 for Mat Mosher.

Sherman was pleased to see the interest in several candidates for the board. Many of the recent village elections have been uncontested for the incumbents.

“I’m excited for a new beginning,” Sherman said after the results were announced at about 10:30 p.m. “I’m grateful to the village residents for putting their faith in me.”

Sherman said all seven candidates have a lot to offer the village. She urged the candidates who came up short for election to stay involved in the village and perhaps volunteer to be on a village committee.

Padoleski is retired from the village as clerk/treasurer. She said the new trustees and board will be busy working to get the budget adopted by the end of April. She looks forward to digging into the budget details to see if there are possible cost savings for taxpayers.

“I’m anxious to get to work,” she said at the Senior Center, after waiting 90 minutes for the paper ballots to be counted.

Prawel is a retired Medina police officer and owner of an auto repair business. He said the village’s rising tax levy is pressuring many residents, making the community unaffordable.

Sherman will replace Mike Sidari as mayor after his eight years in the role. Sidari didn’t seek re-election.

He was at the Senior Center after the polls closed and waited to hear the results. Like most residents he said he is concerned about the tax burden in the village, and the need to put an addition on the fire hall. The board should continue to work with the Economic Development Agency to help businesses expand in Medina and entice new ones to choose the village.

Medina also has land that could be developed for housing which would boost the tax base, Sidari said.

“I wish the new board the best,” Sidari said.

The terms for the new mayor and trustees start on April 1.

GameTime design: The proposal for Medina from GameTime includes sensory wave spinning seats. “The high back molded sensory seat with handles and front pommel design helps children maintain a neutral body position while spinning,” the company states. A RoxAll SeeSaw also has high backs and side rails. “Each of the four seats on this innovative see-saw are designed to accommodate users of all abilities as they enjoy the rocking motion with their friends. The center saucer is designed for users to transfer easily to and from a mobility device and the durable, heavy-duty springs are made to last!” GameTime states.

MEDINA – The village is in the early stages to bring an inclusive playground to State Street Park, the Village Board announced last week.

The playground would be accessible to children with disabilities and mobility issues. The village is looking to partner with the Rochester Community Foundation and Ralph C. Wilson Foundation to have the new playground in Medina, Deputy Mayor Marguerite Sherman said.

The project from GameTime would be $492,321 with Medina’s only commitment to perhaps be some site work, with no direct financial contributions, Sherman said.

Mayor Mike Sidari’s term as mayor ends March 31, but he is willing to help work on the project when he retires, Sherman said.

“Right now we’re just laying the groundwork,” she said.

The proposal for an inclusive playground at State Street Park State includes PowerScape playgrounds with large decks and uprights to provide strength and capacity.

Other features include sensory wave seats, RoxAll See Saw, inclusive whirl, Bunny Spring Rider, four-bay swing frame, including two with a belt, two with enclosed tot, two with Zero G, one expression swing and one expression swing with a universal seat.

There would also be a freestanding sensory wave arch climber with sensors, four benches, geotextile rolls and wood fibers.