Julie Grant is hoping to bring the first inclusive playground — with rubber surfaces to accommodate kids’ mobility devices and a musical feature ideal for seniors — to Selwyn Township.
Grant, whose three-year-old son Jude has cerebral palsy and developmental delays, has partnered with the Ennismore Optimist Club to form the Ennismore Inclusive Playground Project committee.
The committee is hosting its first promotional event on Friday (August 9) in Ennismore, in partnership with United Way Peterborough and District as a recipient of the United Way’s “neighbourhood fund” grant.
The goal of the promotional event is ultimately to bring people together and highlight the importance of an inclusive playground close to home, Grant told kawarthaNOW.
“We were awarded some money to help put on a project promotional event to help promote the project as a whole, bring awareness to why we’re doing it, (demonstrate) what the accessibility barriers are at our local playground, and spread awareness about inclusion, what we’re hoping for, and what the goal is,” Grant said.
There will be reading aloud of inclusive books, an inclusive music session, a raffle for a free inclusive book, ice cream, and more.
Originally scheduled to take place at Ennismore Waterfront Park at 1053 Ennis Rd., due to inclement weather the “Tales & Treat” event has moved indoors to the lower level of the Ennismore Curling Club at 555 Ennis Rd. The by-invitation-only event runs from 6 to 8 p.m.
For Grant and her son and for other families who have children with special needs, it’s currently a 64-kilometre trek to the nearest inclusive structure, either in Port Hope or Port Perry, for playtime.
The committee is aiming to raise approximately $250,000 to construct the inclusive playground, named Jude’s Joy, at Ennismore Waterfront Park.
The playground design would incorporate rubber surfacing “for optimal accessibility” along with various inclusive play elements to engage those with and without exceptionalities, according to a statement on the Ennismore Optimist Club’s website.
Dollars raised support the costs of preparing the site, pouring the rubber surface (which provides a safe and soft surface on which people of all abilities can play), and all the play components. The goal is to have the playground open during the summer of 2025.
“Through thoughtful planning and intentional design choices, we aim to build more than just your typical playground at the Ennismore Waterfront Park — providing play opportunities that promote multi-generational connections, ease of use for mobility aids, and play experiences for diverse abilities,” the club’s statement reads.
“One of the elements that we are extremely excited about, is the accessible merry-go-round (orbit), which sits seamlessly at ground level to offer a spinning experience without having to leave your mobility device.”
The inclusive playground will be built adjacent to the current play structure, which will stay in place.
“This project is rooted in the belief that every child deserves a safe and stimulating environment to explore, play, and grow, regardless of their ability,” the club’s statement continues.
“With a commitment to fostering creativity, collaboration, and especially joy, we are dedicated to creating a space where children can be their true selves and unleash their full potential through the magic of play.”
An inclusive playground goes beyond the minimum accessibility standards, by offering rubber surfacing and play elements that allow all children the opportunity to participate and by supporting equal access to diverse play experiences.
To date, the committee has raised $45,000 for the playground. Representatives will be fundraising and visible in the community in the weeks and months ahead.
To find out more about the Ennismore project and how to support the playground fund, visit www.ennismoreinclusiveplayground.com.
VIDEO: Ennismore Inclusive Playground promotional video
To learn more about the inspiration behind Jude’s Joy, visit accessibleplaygroundsontario.ca.
The website, which features a directory of all accessible play structures in Ontario, was created by Grant.
She recently received a “High-Five Community Recognition Award” from Five Counties Children’s Centre for the initiative, as well as for her work championing the Ennismore project.
