Local company offers donation of universal changing table for Medina Recreation Center

MEDINA — A local company has offered to donate a universal changing station for the Medina Community Recreation Center, to be installed in one of the family changing rooms. On Monday, Medina Parks and Recreation Director Jansen Wehrley presented a request for Council action at the Medina Finance Committee meeting, which would accept a couple of donations for the Medina Recreation Center. Wehrley said that earlier this year, Medina Recreation Center staff members were working with the Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities to see about the installation of a universal changing station. More recently, Wehrley said the Medina-based company, Foundations Worldwide Inc., offered to donate a universal changing station for one of the Medina Recreation Center's family changing rooms. Foundations Worldwide is the leading supplier of children's furnishings to professional child care centers, the leader in supplying cribs and children's hospitality products to hotels and a leading manufacturer of wall-mounted baby changing stations for public facilities. In 2024, Foundations launched the Ascent, which is a powered, height-adjustable universal changing table. According to Foundations, a universal changing table provides access to public restrooms to those who may not be able to use standard handicapped-accessible restrooms. "Universal changing tables are essential for equity and inclusion and can transform the lives of millions of Americans with limited mobility or who need help with daily self-care," Foundations Worldwide said. Following the initial discussion, Wehrley said the Medina Recreation Center talked with Medina Schools' maintenance staff, who said they'd assist with the installation. According to the request for Council action, the changing station is valued at $10,500. The Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities also offered to donate the customized instructional signage to hang near the changing table, which is valued at $800. Contact reporter Sara Crawford at (330) 721-4063 or scrawford@medina-gazette.com.