Community members can extend their support for the creation of an accessible barrier-free playground in Selwyn Township by casting an online ballot until Saturday (May 31) in favour of the Ennismore inclusive playground project.
“The Ennismore Inclusive Playground Project – Jude’s Joy” has entered a video submission in the McDougall Community Contest. The contest is an annual offering of McDougall Insurance & Financial, which gives non-profit organizations and community groups across Ontario the opportunity to secure one of three grants worth a total of $10,000 for local projects.
The playground project is competing with 119 other initiatives for the grant money, which includes $5,000 for first place, $3,000 for second place, and $2,000 for third place. Prizes are awarded to the videos with the most votes.
Julie Grant, champion of the Ennismore inclusive playground project, is obviously hoping to win a grant but is also thankful for the chance the contest provides to highlight the endeavour.
“In addition to winning the $5,000 grant — if we are successful, we will know on June 2nd — my biggest hope from our video submission to the McDougall contest would be to raise broader community awareness and support,” Grant told kawarthaNOW.
“We hope for the broader community to become more aware of the barriers that exist for those with disabilities and how it can hinder them from participating in things as simple as playing at a playground. By showcasing the project through the contest, we hope to inspire more individuals and organizations to get involved — ultimately accelerating funding, to give those of all abilities a place to play.”
Named after Grant’s son Jude, who has cerebral palsy and developmental delays, Jude’s Joy is a community-driven initiative that will bring the first barrier-free playground to Selwyn Township. The recreational space, which will be built in the Ennismore Waterfront Park in Ennismore, will encompass rubber surfacing and accessible play equipment.
Currently, all playgrounds in Selwyn Township have either a sand or wood chip surface, which poses a significant barrier for those with mobility devices.
“For many children, it is impossible to propel the wheels of a walker or wheelchair through wood chips or sand, which means they are relegated to the sidelines, unable to engage in play with their peers,” according to a media release.
“The Ennismore Optimist Club decided to lead this initiative, alongside community volunteers, after identifying a large need in the area for a barrier-free play experience,” the release stated. “Through inclusive design and accessibility improvements, this project will enhance our community by creating a space that all can enjoy, not just children, as disability can affect us at any age.”
Over the past year, the playground committee has raised $170,000 towards its $250,000 goal. If the project is chosen as a McDougall Community Contest winner, 100 per cent of the funds will go towards the play equipment and rubber surface capital costs, the committee noted.
Online voting began last Friday and ends on Saturday. People can choose to vote daily and use different devices as well if they wish to maximize their voting impact, the release noted.
To check out the Jude’s Joy entry, learn more about the playground project, and cast a vote, visit platform.votigo.com/fbcontests/showentry/McDougallCommunityContest2025/3778183/.
The McDougall contest, now in its 12th year, is a community contest, which means people don’t have to be a client of McDougall Insurance for a chance to win a grant.
“We welcome all types of community projects,” McDougall Insurance & Financial states on its website.
