Kingston celebrated the grand opening of its first inclusive playground alongside Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities at Shannon Park on Saturday, bringing together community members, volunteers and city officials.
The event included a ribbon-cutting to officially open the park, food vendors and speeches expressing gratitude to the community.
The newly constructed playground incorporates safety and sensory-friendly features and provides access for individuals who use walkers and wheelchairs.
Mayor Bryan Patterson attended the grand opening event and addressed the crowd gathered at Shannon Park.
Patterson acknowledged the city council’s help with the process, but ultimately praised the community for their commitment to the project.
“This is one of the most community-driven projects I’ve ever seen. It was like it captured the imagination of people across Kingston,” said Patterson.
“I have to tell you, when I come, and I see this space, it far exceeds anything that I ever would have thought or imagined possible.”
In 2023, the Inclusive Play Project was approved by the city council to move forward and was opened to the public in July of this year.
Jessica O’Grady, a relationship manager with Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, spoke about the charity’s mission and the benefits of accessible play.
O’Grady explained to the crowd that she believes creating accessible experiences can foster connection in the community.
“At Jumpstart, our mission is to help enable lifelong success through access to sport and play. We believe that through these experiences, skills are developed, confidence is built, and connection is created,” said O’Grady.
The playground at Shannon Park is Kingston’s first inclusive playground, designed to include every child.
O’Grady attributed the playground’s success to teamwork and expressed her appreciation to those who supported the project.
“This playground is the first of its kind in the city, and is designed to welcome kids of all abilities, with accessible structures and sensory play elements. It delivers our shared vision to make sport and play accessible for the kids,” said O’Grady.
“Bringing this playground to life is truly a team effort, and we are extremely grateful to everyone who supported this project and can’t wait to see the joy it brings to the community.”
Families trying out new inclusive play structure at Shannon Park (YGK News/Meaghan Beavis).
The idea for an inclusive playground in Kingston came from Rachel Doornekamp, an occupational therapist in Kingston. She noticed that there are not enough play spaces that cater to children with disabilities.
Doornekamp explained the project’s growth and the importance of continuing to create projects like the Inclusive Play Project.
“It started as a very small dream, and meeting at City Hall has just grown into this beautiful space and also just a movement around inclusive play and why these types of spaces are so important,” said Doornekamp
“We really are hopeful that this is just the beginning for Kingston and that this is kind of a pilot and a showcase for why we need more spaces like this.”
Doornekamp spoke for her peers as she described their mission for more inclusive spaces in Kingston, beyond the playground, that accommodate children with disabilities.
