News Release - Douglass R-Center Receives Statewide Recognition for Inclusion

City of Rochester

News Release

(Tuesday, April 24, 2018) – Mayor Lovely A. Warren announced today that the City of Rochester’s Frederick Douglass R-Center, 999 South Ave., was awarded the “Inclusion Champion Award” at the New York State Parks and Recreation Conference earlier this month in Syracuse.

“As we continue our work to create safer / more vibrant neighborhoods, more jobs and better educational opportunities in Rochester, we take pride in making sure our recreation facilities are accessible to all of our residents,” said Mayor Lovely Warren. “On behalf of the citizens of Rochester, we are proud to receive this honor and pledge to continue to offer inclusive programming alongside our wonderful community partners who are helping us achieve this goal.”

Anita O’Brien, Executive Director of Rochester Accessible Adventures, nominated the Frederick Douglass R-Center staff for their efforts to expand recreational opportunities at City R-Centers including a pilot program at the Douglass R-Center and inclusivity training for staff facilitated by Rochester Accessible Adventures and SUNY Cortland.

Staff at the Carter Street R-Center staff will begin the same training in the near future. The ultimate goal is to expand inclusive recreation programming to all City R-Centers.

“It is the mission of the Department of Recreation and Youth Services to create opportunities to live, learn and play for every member of our community,” said Commissioner Daniele Lyman-Torres. “Making the R-Centers inviting and user friendly to our youth and families with special challenges and abilities is something we are focused on and excited about.”

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News Media: For more information, contact Press Officer Jessica Alaimo, 428-7135.