(Massena) The City of Massena has been awarded $24,999 through the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation National Paralysis Resource Center’s 2025 Direct Effect 2nd Cycle Quality of Life Grants Program. The grant is part of $1,141,186 awarded to 56 organizations nationwide supporting individuals living with paralysis.
Massena City Clerk Dawn Stuhr says the city plans to use the funding to add inclusive playground equipment and accessible surfacing as part of the Inclusive Community Park Project. The upgrades will create a safe, welcoming space where individuals with disabilities and sensory sensitivities can play and engage alongside their peers.
FNB recently donated $5,000 towards the Massena Community Park project.
Stuhr said she is continuing to pursue additional grant opportunities, noting that approximately $210,000 still needs to be raised to meet the project’s goal. She hopes to secure the remaining funds by this summer so construction can be completed before the 2026–2027 school year.
Stuhr added that anyone interested in donating can contact her at Massena City Hall by calling 712-779-2295 or by visiting the City of Massena’s website at massena@netins.net.
The Quality-of-Life Grants Program, funded through a cooperative agreement with the Administration for Community Living, has awarded more than 4,100 grants totaling $50 million since its inception.
The City of Massena expressed gratitude to the Reeve Foundation for helping make inclusive play opportunities a reality in the community.
