Rep. Magaziner Delivers Federal Funding for New Viewing Plaza at Burrillville High School
BURRILLVILLE, R.I. — Today, U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner (RI-02) announced that he is delivering $500,000 in federal funding for a new, ADA-accessible viewing plaza overlooking a planned artificial turf athletic field located at the Burrillville High School. Rep. Magaziner was joined by town leaders, school committee members, and disability rights advocates for a groundbreaking ceremony of the plaza.
This local project will ensure all Burrillville residents will be able to enjoy sports and other community events on the planned artificial turf field, including soccer, lacrosse, and football games, as well as graduation ceremonies and other programming. Elderly and mobility impaired individuals in particular will benefit from the ADA-accessible viewing plaza, as well as from the proposed adjacent handicap parking spaces and drop-off zone.
“Every Rhode Islander deserves the opportunity and infrastructure to enjoy events in their community, whether it’s watching their kids or grandkids at practice or attending special moments like graduation,” said Rep. Seth Magaziner. “This viewing plaza takes a significant step to improving accessibility for Burrillville residents, and I will continue fighting to bring federal dollars back for local projects that benefit the community.”
“The immediate addition of the viewing area for those with accessibility issues is a wonderful complement to the Town’s new artificial field complex at Burrillville High School,” said Don Fox, President of the Burrillville Town Council. “While this viewing area has been part of our overall plans from the outset, the funding from the Federal Grant program has allowed us to keep construction of this area apace with the overall field complex construction, instead of making it a ‘later phase’ stage of the project. The viewing area will allow unprecedented access for everyone to enjoy the activities on our town’s new multi-purpose artificial turf field. The area will include dedicated space for ancillary services such as food, restrooms and convenient handicapped parking. On behalf of the Town of Burrillville, I would like to thank Representative Magaziner for his support of this generational community project.”
“Our vision for this project was to utilize the existing topography and create a vantage point that offers disabled or physically challenged patrons the best seat in the house which also comes with preferred parking and nearby accessible amenities. Surpassing ADA requirements is the goal here, not simply satisfying them,” said Jeffrey McCormick, Director of Public Works and Engineering Services.
“On behalf of the Burrillville School Department, I’d like to thank Congressman Magaziner for his support of this project. The addition of a fully accessible viewing plaza to Burrillville’s field project represents a significant step towards the recognition that accessibility for all is fundamental to our society’s progress,” said Mike Sollitto, Superintendent of the Burrillville RI School Department. “In a world that constantly evolves, it’s imperative that we ensure equal access to opportunities, resources, and services for every individual, regardless of their physical abilities, socio-economic status, or any other characteristic that may present a barrier. Accessibility isn’t merely about ramps, elevators, or braille signage. It’s about creating an environment where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can fully participate in all aspects of life. It’s about acknowledging and accommodating diverse needs to build a community that thrives on inclusivity rather than exclusion. Thank you to the Town of Burrillville and to Congressman Magaziner for their commitment to breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive and equitable society.”
This federal funding, secured by Rep. Magaziner, is among 15 grants totaling $12,883,568 for Rhode Island community projects in the FY 2024 federal budget. The full list of the 15 local projects can be found here.
