Blackfalds has opened its inclusive playground.
The town broke ground on the project in 2019 and opened it to the public Friday.
“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,” said Larry Horeczy, co-managing director with Variety, a children’s charity that helped in the design.
“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.”
According to the charity, fewer than 10 per cent of playgrounds in Alberta are able to accommodate children and community members with disabilities.
The playground features a dual zip-line, a two-bay swing set, a spinning net climber, sensory panels, five-person see-saw, a quiet seating area and round benches for parents.
“Rather than focus on playground equipment, we focus on the experience that an inclusive playground offers children and community members,” Horeczy said.
More than 50 volunteers helped with the project. The town committed $125,000 and Lacombe County contributed $50,000.