Fort Wayne, IN – The Fort Wayne Police Department has received a $50,000 grant from the AWS Foundation to fund accessibility improvements at Safety Village, city officials announced this week.
According to the department, the grant will cover new adaptive playground equipment, audible voice crosswalks, a remote-controlled battery-operated car, and a wheelchair-accessible battery-operated car. The upgrades are designed to ensure that all children, regardless of physical or cognitive ability, can participate safely and meaningfully in Safety Village activities.
The department said the investment will help create sensory-friendly spaces and an interactive pedestrian safety system, promoting both safety education and social inclusion. Leaders anticipate the improvements will increase playground usage, strengthen community ties, and encourage interaction among children of all abilities.
“A field trip to Safety Village is a beloved memory for most of Allen County’s youth,” said AWS Foundation CEO Patti Hays. “These improvements will ensure that no student is left back in the classroom due to lack of accessibility and sensory accommodations. And that every student learns a little bit more about building a town that is accessible to those with disabilities.”
The Fort Wayne Police Department expressed gratitude to the AWS Foundation for supporting its mission to make the city a safe and welcoming place for all residents.
