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fully inclusive

Blackfalds opening accessible playground Friday in Valley Ridge

Jun 26, 2020 | 10:20 AM

A new inclusive playground opens today in Blackfalds’ Valley Ridge neighbourhood.

Ground was broken on the playground in 2019. It was designed in consultation with Variety-A Children’s Charity.

Variety says less than 10 per cent of all playgrounds in Alberta accomodate children and community members with disabilities.

“With the benefits for physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development, creating inclusive playgrounds will help remove these barriers by using an inclusive design that benefits all children,” explains Larry Horeczy, Co-Managing Director with Variety.

“Properly designed fully inclusive playgrounds create a physical avenue for children with disabilities to play as well as for parents or other caregivers who may have disabilities themselves to take children to a safe, inclusive environment.”

Raising money for the playground has been a challenge, given the state of the economy, but support has come in from Lacombe County ($50,000), the Optimist Club of Blackfalds, and several businesses and service clubs to add to the Town’s $125,000 commitment.

“These playgrounds are very important to have in the community. We want everyone to feel welcome and included. We are thankful for the partnerships from Variety, the Optimist Club County and CFEP that have allowed this dream to become a reality,” shares Blackfalds Mayor Richard Poole.

The playground will feature a dual zip-line, a two-bay swing set, spinning net climber, sensory panels, five-person see-saw, a quiet seating area, and round benches for parents.

It was built with the help of at least 50 volunteers, and opens June 26 (Friday) at 4 p.m. at the corner of Vista Trail and Westbrooke Road, just northwest of the Abbey Centre.

The Town says it plans to hold a grand opening with members from Variety, The Optimist Club and Lacombe County once health guidelines allow.