Toronto to add handicap swing to Walton Acres Park – The Steubenville Herald-Star

zNewsletter Sunday

Jun 24, 2022

REMEMBERED FOR SERVICE At its June 13 meeting, Toronto Council presented a resolution noting the late Richard Baileys many years of service to the citys fire department. With Mayor John Parker, far left, and Frank McEwen, council president and former fire chief, far right; are Baileys wife Debbie and daughters Amanda and Abby. -- Contributed

TORONTO Handicapped children will be able to have some fun when they visit Torontos Walton Acres Park thanks to the efforts of city and county officials and a local woman who knows of the challenges faced by such youth.

Jefferson County Commissioner Tom Graham attended the June 13 Toronto Council meeting to officially announce the award of $10,000 in county recreation funds for the addition of a handicap accessible swing for the park, which is near Fernwood Drive.

Mayor John Parker said he requested the money after the swing was suggested by resident Jessica Porter.

Porter said as the aunt of 6-year-old Addy Blanton, who has cerebral palsy, she knows recreational opportunities often are limited for youth who are physically impaired.

I feel our town prides itself in giving back but handicapped kids were being overlooked, she said, adding, Sometimes you dont notice it until it comes closer to home.

Porter said Addy has grown out of the baby swings found at some parks but still needs the support offered by them and those created for handicapped children.

She loves to swing and loves to play. Now she can interact with everybody, she said.

Addys parents, Jake and Mallory, also were on hand for the announcement.

During the meeting, council also presented the family of the late Richard Beetle Bailey with a resolution honoring him for his 41 years of volunteer service to the citys fire department.

Council members and others noted the Toronto High School graduate and Army veteran divided much of his life between the department, his job at the Stratton Sammis power plant and his family.

Baileys wife of 47 years, Debbie; and his daughters, Amanda and Abby, accepted the resolution.

Fire Chief Bill Scheel noted Bailey often assumed the task of making the coffee at the firehouse and continued to assist there even after retiring in August.

At that time, council presented a resolution to Bailey thanking him for his service.

Councilman Bob Bertram noted Bailey was a volunteer for Special Olympics, often serving as announcer at its competitions.

Council President Frank McEwen, a former Toronto fire chief, said it was an honor to serve with Bailey while also recalling how he used his electrical know-how to help others.

He did a lot of stuff like that, not just electrical, to help people out, said McEwen.

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Toronto to add handicap swing to Walton Acres Park - The Steubenville Herald-Star