For Immediate Release
June 3, 2009

Niagara Parks Receives Accessibility Award Three Years Straight

Niagara Falls, ON – For the third year in a row, during National Access Awareness Week, The Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) was pleased to be recognized with an accessibility award for its continued efforts at promoting inclusion and equal access for people with disabilities. In a ceremony held this morning at the St. Catharines Market Square, NPC was honoured with the AccessibleNiagara.com Award for the exceptional provision of accessible tourism in the Niagara community.

This award was presented to NPC for its recently redeveloped $38.5 Million Table Rock Welcome Centre and new “Bridge of Flowers” pedestrian crossing. NPC Chairman Jim Williams was pleased to accept this award from Phoenix Counsel Inc. and Linda Crabtree, of AccessibleNaigara.com. “Improving accessibility and enhancing the experience of Niagara for all our visitors, was of paramount consideration as we set about the task of renovating our iconic Table Rock complex. Today’s award recognizes these efforts, and we are proud to accept this honour during what is also national tourism week here in Canada,” stated NPC’s Chairman.

According to Linda Crabtree, founder of AccessibleNiagara.com, “Niagara Parks continues to develop accessible tourism in a manner that makes it almost invisible to those not disabled. People with disabilities are a huge untapped market with many millions of dollars to spend. NPC is making it possible for them to consider Niagara their primary destination. I heartily applaud them for their continued efforts.”

The Breaking the Barrier Awards Ceremony, hosted by the Ontario March of Dimes South Region, is conducted annually and pays tribute to local businesses, organizations and individuals for their contributions and efforts that have resulted in the greater inclusion of persons with disabilities in our community. In 2008, NPC received a March of Dimes Breaking the Barriers Award for its accessible Legends on the Niagara Golf Complex and for introducing the SoloRider golf car, which allows mobility impaired golfers to participate in the game. In 2007, NPC also received an AccessibleNiagara.com Award for its Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory’s fully accessible facilities.

The Niagara Parks Commission, an agency of the Government of Ontario has preserved and maintained the parklands and attractions surrounding the Falls without tax dollars since 1885. Your purchases at Niagara Parks help great things happen. Every dollar you spend with Niagara Parks helps preserve the nature and heritage of the Falls and the Niagara River Parkway.

For more information, please contact:
Tony Baldinelli
Communications Manager
(905) 371-0837
tbaldinelli@niagaraparks.com

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