Wheelchair swing debuted at Malesus Park, the city's second swing installation

Sarah Best, Jackson Sun
·1 min read
Mayor Scott Conger pushes Amy Dyer during a demonstration of the new wheelchair accessible swing at Malesus Park in Jackson, Tennessee on July 26, 2023. The wheelchair accessible swing is the second the City of Jackson has installed this year.
Mayor Scott Conger pushes Amy Dyer during a demonstration of the new wheelchair accessible swing at Malesus Park in Jackson, Tennessee on July 26, 2023. The wheelchair accessible swing is the second the City of Jackson has installed this year.

With the city's second installation of a wheelchair swing on July 26, Malesus Park became a place for those with disabilities to enjoy the playful exuberance of swinging.

Following the first installation at North Park in 2021, and with plans to install two more at Conger Park and Centennial Park, there are now wheelchair swings on both the north and south end of Jackson available for use.

More: Wheelchair swing unveiled at North Park

More: Five parks across Jackson to be renovated, skate park coming

Director of Parks and Recreation Tony Black explained the importance of providing accessible options for every member of the community, regardless of their disability.

Director of Parks & Recreation Tony Black (middle left) speaks during the unveiling of the wheelchair accessible swing at Malesus Park in Jackson, Tennessee on July 26, 2023.
Director of Parks & Recreation Tony Black (middle left) speaks during the unveiling of the wheelchair accessible swing at Malesus Park in Jackson, Tennessee on July 26, 2023.

"In the south, there are eight million disabled southerners and Tennessee is home to 1.5 [million] of them," Black said. "So with that in mind, the state has an effort and the city has an effort to make recreational facilities accessible for all of our citizens."

Newly elected District 1 Councilmember J.P. Stovall, who was present due to Malesus Park being within the confines of his district, began the ceremony with a prayer in which he shared his gratitude for the city's leadership and innovation.

City Councilman J.P. Stovall speaks during the unveiling of the wheelchair accessible swing at Malesus Park in Jackson, Tennessee on July 26, 2023.
City Councilman J.P. Stovall speaks during the unveiling of the wheelchair accessible swing at Malesus Park in Jackson, Tennessee on July 26, 2023.

"I think it's absolutely wonderful that folks here in District 1, and throughout our city, have access to equipment like this," Stovall said.

Amy Dyer, a wheelchair-bound Jacksonian, was the first to use the new Malesus swing and shared that it was her first time being able to use a swing since being in a wheelchair.

"I like the swing," Dyer said. "It's cool, it's neat. "

This article originally appeared on Jackson Sun: Malesus Park is now home to the Jackson's second wheelchair swing.