By: Ashmar Mandou

On a bright sunny Tuesday morning, a pool of elected officials, families, and supporters gathered at 1844 S. Laramie Ave., for the ribbon cutting ceremony of Cicero’s new Phil Fuentes Ability Park, a 100 percent disability-accessible playground. “From the beginning to now, creating opportunities and safe places for the children of Cicero was always my top priority,” said Cicero Town President Larry Dominick. “It’s wonderful to be able to see families come to a playground that is specifically designed to meet the needs of children living with physical disabilities. It’s the best part of my job.” This is the first playground of its kind in Cicero and includes adaptive equipment and accessible pathways, calming centers and sensory play areas, with special attention paid to the colors and textures of all pathways, surfaces and designs. Phase two of the park will include additional equipment, communication boards and signage with braille.

This is the first phase of what will be a multi-phase park, developed by the Town in partnership with local families, the United Cerebral Palsy Seguin of Greater Chicago, the special education departments at School Districts 201 and 99 and Morton College. “I want to thank the Town of Cicero for bringing this to life,” said Phil Fuentes, MHOA member, McDonald’s Owner Operator. “We wanted to create an inclusive place where children with physical limitations can develop social relationships and a place where they feel that they truly belong.” The park was named after local business leader Phil Fuentes, who has been a strong advocate for both the Hispanic community and those living with physical disabilities. He has been an inspiration to many as he overcame the challenges of cerebral palsy to be a leading McDonald’s Owner-Operator in the area. The park was funded by the Town of Cicero, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.