BETHEL – On September 27, the Town of Bethel hosted a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new inclusive playground at the Forest Reserve in Smallwood. The inclusive space was designed for children of all ages and abilities. The event featured a celebrity kids’ book reading, games, Kids Yoga, and face painting .

The playground was built with state-of-the-art equipment that is accessible and engaging for children with varying abilities. Town Supervisor, Dan Sturm expressed gratitude to several groups and individuals who supported the project, including the Town Board, Sullivan 180, Town Grant Writer, and the Bethel Local Development Corporation (BLDC) manager, Moreen Lerner, volunteers, and the people of Bethel. The majority of funding came from  the Town of Bethel, with partial funding for the project from a grant from Sullivan 180, a nonprofit focused on fostering a healthy community in Sullivan County. Town grant writer Moreen Lerner emphasized the deeper purpose of the new facility, stating it is “more than just a place to play – it’s a space where children of all abilities can come together to explore, imagine, and connect.”

Families who attended were treated to various activities, including a celebrity kids’ book reading event, games, and face painting.