WADDINGTON – For perhaps the first time in his life, Harris Goodstein rode on a swing Tuesday.

Mr. Goodstein, who is confined to a wheelchair, is now able to ride on a swing thanks to a new wheelchair platform swing installed at Whittaker Park.

While staff member Rick S. Derochie pushed the swing, he asked Mr. Goodstein if he was having fun.

“Yes,” said Mr. Goodstein. But Mr. Goodstein’s smile said much more.

The Village of Waddington and New York Power Authority representatives presented United Helpers, Lisbon, with a key to the Whittaker Park wheelchair swing shortly after.

“It’s a great place for our residents,” said Gisele M. Groulx, a United Helpers staff member. “We travel to Waddington from Lisbon because there isn’t another park around like this one. I love bringing our residents here. They always enjoy themselves.”

The swing was installed and is maintained by NYPA with the help of the town’s public works department.

In 2008, the New York Power Authority entered into agreements with the towns of Massena, Louisville and Waddington and the village of Waddington in order to operate and maintain recreational facilities near NYPA’s St. Lawrence-Franklin D. Roosevelt Power Project. NYPA currently maintains Massena Town Beach, the Waddington Town Beach and Whalen Park in Louisville.

Over the years, NYPA has installed tennis courts, boat docks, paved trail ways and a handicap fishing pier within Whittaker Park.

“We have a good relationship with the town and village and we’re happy we could provide this facility and a chance for people to enjoy the nice river view,” said Douglas M. Ackley, NYPA representative. “The swing is a great place for the residents to feel like kids again.”

A fence was installed around the swing’s perimeter earlier this year. The town is looking to install a canopy over the swing to shade users from the sun, Mayor Janet M. Otto-Cassada said.

“I am grateful to NYPA for putting the swing in our village,” said Mrs. Otto-Cassada “I hope more people come to visit in the future.”

Organizations or visitors looking to access the swing can contact the Village office, Mrs. Otto-Cassada said.

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