Veterans Park's New 'We-Go-Round' Promotes Play For All Abilities

BERKELEY, NJ — Nobody is excluded from the "we" in "We-Go-Round." The new playground structure, which suits people of all abilities, opened Saturday in Berkeley's Veterans Park.

The We-Go-Round is an updated version of the merry-go-round, according to Mayor Carmen F. Amato. It allows kids of all abilities, including children in a wheelchair, to spin around and join the fun with friends and family, he said. The structure also provides rooftop shade and seating.

Amato, Township Council and Bayville Elks Lodge #2394 participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Bayville Elks special needs ambassador Val Falzarano, who has cerebral palsy, participated in the event. Falzarano was all smiles as he took the maiden voyage on the We-Go-Round.

Kim Falzarano, Val's mother, said Val loved the We-Go-Round.

Related article: Berkeley Boy With Cerebral Palsy Celebrates New Bedroom

"I'm appreciative that Berkeley Township saw the need to have this in the park," Kim Falzarano said. "There's not many things that my son can do to interact and have fun with other kids."

Amato thanked the Elks for attending. The Elks support veterans and children with special needs.

Bernie Lynch, the Exalted Ruler, said the We-Go-Round "makes all areas of recreation accessible to special needs children," and thanked the township for supporting the Elks.

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