“Inclusive parks matter because every child deserves to play.”
That is the slogan for the Ennismore Inclusive Playground Project, which will see a barrier-free playground called Jude’s Joy developed at the Ennismore Waterfront Park.
Thanks to community donations reaching over $100,000 in support of the build, soon no child living in the Peterborough region will have limitations to accessing the fun, learning, and connection that can be found on a playground.
“Although it will be in Ennismore in a small area, it will draw from the whole region,” says Julie Grant, founder of the Accessible Playgrounds Ontario website. “There’s a huge need and there’s a lot of children and seniors in this area who would benefit from an accessible surface and accessible elements that support playing together.”
On her website at accessibleplaygroundsontario.ca, Grant created digital map of more than 300 accessible playgrounds across Ontario after her three-year-old son Jude, who has cerebral palsy (the most common physical disability in children) and a global developmental delay, began using a walker. She was excited for him to learn to use it at the park to gain independence but, instead, he faced difficulty in manoeuvring the wheels on the sand and woodchip surfaces typically found at playgrounds.
“We tried to research where the nearest playgrounds were that had a rubber base, because we realized that was what he needed to be able to have independent freedom and initiating the play experience on his own and keep up with his peers,” Grant says.
Grant discovered that the closest accessible playgrounds to which she could bring Jude were in Port Hope or Port Perry — both or which are upwards of 60 kilometres away.
“One of the biggest things a lot of people don’t realize is it’s not just about the rubber (base), because the playground also needs equipment the kids can play with while they’re in their mobility device if they’re not able to leave that device,” she says.
“It’s one thing to have the inclusive base, but it’s another to actually have ground-level play experience where he can play with stuff in his walker or have a ramp up to the playgrounds to interact with other kids.”
Grant teamed up with the Ennismore Optimist Club, which was responsible for building the current playground at Ennismore Waterfront Park, to launch the Jude’s Joy project with the goal of raising $250,000 to cover the cost of the build.
While the inclusive playground will allow children who face mobility limitations to have fun, Grant says the benefits are more far-reaching.
“Regardless of ability, regardless of the age and stage we’re in, there’s always something to learn from our peers, and (this park will) create disability representation and community inclusion,” she says. “It’s also for the parents and grandparents that have disabilities who want to be able to fully engage with their children and play alongside them.”
VIDEO: Ennismore Inclusive Playground promotional video
Since launching this past May, the Ennismore Inclusive Playground Project has seen support from several clubs and organizations, including large donations from the Peterborough Kinsmen Club, Kiwanis Club of Peterborough, and the Buckhorn District Lions Club. Most recently, the Rotary Club of Bridgenorth-Ennismore-Lakefield donated $10,000 and the Ennismore-based Kawartha Tri-Sport Tournament group donated $15,000.
All community members who donate more than $250 will get a recognition plaque in their name on the park site.
“It’s already a cherished park space, but we’re hopeful that, through the plaques and recognition and people wanting to show their support, people can come together to create a space for everyone,” Grant says.
Despite the milestone in reaching $100,000, Grant is not slowing down the fundraising efforts in the new year.
The initiative is hosting “The Together Breakfast” on Sunday, February 2 in the accessible upper level of the Ennismore Arena during the annual PolarFest family festival hosted by the Township of Selwyn.
Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith and other special guests are expected to make an appearance serving up pancakes, sausages, and warm beverages from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in support of Jude’s Joy. Cash only, breakfast is priced at $8 for ages 13 and up, $5 for those aged 6 to 12 and free for children under 6.
“It’s for everyone of all abilities and ages and we’re hoping to have everyone come out to and make connections,” says Grant. “We’re excited to have a project-specific event that’s fundraising for the project.”
PolarFest attendees can further support Jude’s Joy by pledging Selwyn Township councillor Mary Coulas’ team for the 2025 Polar Plunge, which takes place at 2 p.m. on February 2 at Ennismore’s Rotary Park. Joined by the Ennismore Eagles Girls U18B Team to form The Playground Plungers, Coulas has set a goal of raising $3,500, with proceeds split between the inclusive playground and B.E.L. Rotary. Pledges can be made online at www.easypledge.ca/bel-rotary/.
For more information on the Ennismore Inclusive Playground Project or to make a direct donation, visit ennismoreinclusiveplayground.com.
