Inclusive Play Summaries
Main Structure © Kanics Inclusive Design Services LLC
Rollerslide with Exit Bench
Sensory Systems Engaged
Sensory Systems Engaged
Vestibular + Vestibular + Proprioception Proprioception Tactile Tactile Visual Visual
Cognitive Skills
Cognitive Problem Skills Solving Problem Solving
Motor Skills
Motor Skills
Balance
Balance CoordinationCoordination Motor Planning Motor Planning
Social Skills
CooperationSocial Skills Social Skill Development Cooperation Imaginative Play
Social Skill Development
Imaginative The Rollerslide with Exit Bench provides a tactile and auditory experience while children slide. It is wide enough for children to slide down together. The rollersPlay eliminate any possible static electric build-up which allows children with cochlear implants to use the slide without fear of static electricity discharging into their hearing device. The attached bench provides a place for a child to rest while their friend brings them their mobility device.
The Rollerslide with Exit Bench provides a tactile and auditory experience while children slide. It is wide enough for children to slide down together. The rollers eliminate any possible static electric build-up which allows children with cochlear implants to use the slide without fear of static electricity discharging into their hearing device. The attached bench provides a place for a child to rest while their friend brings them their mobility device. © 2021 Kanics Inclusive Design Services, LLC
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Inclusive Play Summaries
Independent Pieces
Inclusive Play Summaries
Swings
Inclusive Play Summaries
Panels
In the Media
Unwin Park and Jumpstart Playground: Setting the Standard for Inclusive Play July 22, 2021
NEAL AVEN (CITY OF SURREY) WRITTEN FOR BCRPA There are times when local governments are able to garner funding outside of their municipal budget envelopes to fulfill planning and development ‘wish lists’. When the City of Surrey received funding from Canadian Tire’s Jumpstart program they were able to unleash the development of a unique, inclusive and accessible playground that not only provided a new park space to the community, but also augmented and improved an existing one. Built within the community of Newton, Unwin’s Playground is a 12,000 square foot picturesque play space intentionally designed to be an imaginative, inclusive, and accessible space that provides children with physical, sensory, and cognitive challenges an environment that promotes wellbeing and collaborative play. For years the community surrounding Unwin Park had
expressed interest in ensuring the public amenities available in the park were more inclusive for people of all ages and abilities. In fact, inclusion and access were also identified as priorities in Surrey’s overall Parks, Recreation & Culture Strategic Plan (2018 to 2027). Unwin Park’s amenities had been used heavily by the surrounding communities for decades. The park is home to ball diamonds, soccer fields, lacrosse boxes, a basketball court, a water playground, a general playground, an outdoor pool, a cricket batting practice area, picnic facilities and a fieldhouse with washrooms and changerooms. While regular on-going maintenance had kept these amenities in good repair for public use, some, including the general playground, were moving quickly toward the end of their lifespan. continued on next page...
continued from previous page... In 2018, the City of Surrey launched an extensive consultation process surrounding proposed upgrades to the playground area of the park, the centrepiece of which would be a large inclusive play space within the park to be built in partnership with Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities. It would be known as the Jumpstart Playground. The process was met with strong support from the community, propelling forward a massive park clean up and kicking off construction of the project. In addition to replacing the exiting, aging playground, the project had given birth to the new Jumpstart Playground, which now sets the standard for playground inclusivity as a destination for kids of all abilities. This 12,000 square foot playground within Unwin Park includes accessible features and play components with transfer platforms, all connected by a double wide accessible ramp system to accommodate wheelchair users or parents with strollers. It includes imaginative and accessible spaces that give children with physical, sensory, and cognitive disabilities an environment that promotes well-being and collaborative play where children of all abilities can share in the magic of play.
Some of the unique features include braille and sign language panels, a merry-go-round designed for wheeled mobility devices, slides with transfer benches to allow children to slide with their peers and easily transfer themselves from the slide to their mobility device, and other supportive and engaging playground apparatuses. The location of the Jumpstart Playground also provides clear site-lines to and from other park amenities allowing for family members of all ages to participate in various park activities while maintaining visual connections with each other. In addition to the playground which was specifically designed to be inclusive, other barriers and curbs were removed and grade changes were made to improve accessibility and movement from the playground to the water park which, although several years older, was already an accessible area. Additional amenities near the playground were also added to improve usability and accessibility for older adults, including strategically located benches as rest areas and the placement of covered picnic shelters. The covered picnic shelters are now very popular areas to meet and socialize for groups and families no matter the weather. continued on next page...
continued from previous page... In order to make room for the Jumpstart Playground within the park and fit all of the envisioned inclusive play elements within it, the City of Surrey undertook an extensive tree relocation program, moving a number of very large mature maples to make room for the playground and relocated the trees nearby to provide shade adjacent to the play area. With the Jumpstart Playground and park upgrades complete, Unwin Park now fulfills a wide variety of outdoor recreation and social needs for all ages within the surrounding communities. Although Unwin Park is classified as a community-level park, it has become a destination-level park, attracting residents from across the entire City of Surrey throughout the entire week. In fact, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Unwin Park and the Jumpstart Inclusive Playground has even acted as a family destination for stay-at-home vacations. Unwin Park and the Jumpstart Inclusive Playground has now simply become a part of daily life in the area, setting the standard for inclusive play in British Columbia and around the world. For more information about Unwin Park and the Jumpstart Playground, read the Playground Guide, contact Neal Aven at the City of Surrey or come visit Unwin Park to experience this unique park yourself.
“The Jumpstart playground has definitely created a very positive environment and has played a role in connecting the community more by being a central location where families and friends can meet up and play together, in return creating a sense of community connection. I see a lot more parents and adults genuinely enjoying the playground now and playing with their children rather than sitting and watching from the sides. Due to massive visitor presence from mornings to late evenings, especially during the summer months, it has helped deter any loitering, criminal activity, and vandalism. The local community feels a sense of pride and responsibility to take care of and watch over the park, and it seems everyone has stepped up and are very vigilant to ensure that the playground and park facilities are not vandalized.” - Tara Gill Neighbour, Soccer Coach, and Unwin Park Area Block Watch Captain
City of Surrey Wins BCRPA 2021 Parks Excellence Award May 5, 2021 MEDIA RELEASE BCRPA The BC Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA) presented its Parks Excellence Award to the City of Surrey today for Unwin Park and Jumpstart Playground. The award recognizes a unique example of excellence in the concept, design, and development of parks and open spaces. Unwin Park and Jumpstart Playground is a 12,000 square foot picturesque, inclusive play space developed in partnership with Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities. The playground, located within Unwin Park, is intentionally designed to be an imaginative, inclusive, and accessible space that provides children with physical, sensory, and cognitive disabilities an environment that promotes wellbeing and collaborative play. The park is located within easy walking distance from eight schools within the highly diverse community of Newton.
The playground at Unwin Parks truly sets the standard for playground accessibility, and includes features such as the We-Go-Round - a merry-go-round designed for wheeled mobility devices to roll directly on, and enjoy the merry-go- round experience, as well as slides with transfer benches that allow children to use the slide with their peers, and then easily transfer themselves from the slide to their mobility device. Other creative play elements include sails, flags, and canopies to encourage creative play as well as platforms and ramps with nooks and crannies that often generate imaginative play activities. Areas of shade are also provided within and around the playground so children can stay cool as they play.
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continued from previous page... Ongoing communication and collaboration with park users and community members has been essential to the playground’s success. These connections helped build excitement and anticipation for the park, which has resulted in increased popularity with a broad cross section of the local community, as well as with residents from the entire City of Surrey as a destination and multigenerational family experience. “We are proud to award the City of Surrey the BCRPA Parks Excellence Award for their work on the Unwin Park and Jumpstart Playground,” said Rebecca Tunnacliffe, CEO of the BC Recreation and Parks Association. “This state-of-the-art playground truly has set a new standard for creativity, accessibility, and inclusion both within the design and the nature in which the community was engaged in the entire process and is now experiencing the unique benefits of recreation and parks within their community, particularly at a time it’s needed more than ever.” The Parks Excellence Award is one of four provincial awards presented virtually today by BCRPA on behalf of their over 3,700 recreation and parks sector members from across BC, each working to enhance the physical and mental health, wellness, connectedness and quality of life of their communities.
Background The British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA) is the voice of public recreation and parks, and champions the sector’s development of healthy people and connected communities. Representing over 95% of the provinces’ local governments, we play a central role in supporting the enrichment and improvement of the quality of life of British Columbians. Our work as a not-for profit organization focuses on creating community connectedness and well-being based on the knowledge and recognition that recreation and active living, as well as access to parks and the natural environment, have significant impacts on our physical and mental health. Since 1958, the BCRPA has provided leadership, training and support, fostering the principles of accessibility and inclusiveness, to help its members meet provincial and local mental health and physical activity priorities.
New Playground for Kids with Disabilities Opens in Surrey October 11, 2019 BY KENNETH CHAN DAILY HIVE - URBANIZED Just in time for the Thanksgiving long weekend, a new major fixture has been added to a Surrey park, and it specifically benefits kids with disabilities. A 12,000-sq-ft, universally-accessible playground that opened this week at Unwin Park in Surrey’s Newton is the city’s largest inclusive playground. All of the playing spaces have accessible features and equipment, including double-wide ramps, rubber surfacing, and even a wheelchair-accessible “We-Go-Round.” The Jumpstart Playground was funded by Canadian Tire’s Jumpstart Charities. The project was first announced this past spring. “By playing, whether through organized sport or with
friends on a playground, kids are given the opportunity to develop valuable life skills such as confidence, courage and teamwork,” said Scott Fraser, president of Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, in a statement. Surrey mayor Doug McCallum added: “Creating spaces where residents of all ages and abilities can enjoy active play together is at the centre of our vision to advance as a thriving, healthy community where everyone feels welcome. We thank Jumpstart Charities for their partnership in bringing this inclusive playground to Unwin Park. It is a welcome addition that will be enjoyed by the community for years to come.” This is the sixth Jumpstart Playground constructed by Canadian Tire’s charity to date.
Universally Accessible Playground Where Kids of All Abilities Can Play Together at Unwin Park, Surrey April 30, 2019 ASIAN JOURNAL STAFF ASIAN JOURNAL Surrey: In partnership with the City of Surrey, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities announced the plans to build a universally accessible playground in Unwin Park under Jumpstart’s Inclusive Playground Project. The playground structure will be a gift from Jumpstart to the City of Surrey as part of the Charity’s ‘Play Finds A Way’ movement, which focuses on removing accessibility barriers to sport and play. “Our parks and playgrounds play a vital role in providing a fun, safe and welcoming environment for children,” said Mayor Doug McCallum. “This new inclusive playground is a welcome addition for our children and all members of our community for years to come. My thanks to the Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities for this generous gift that will compliment Unwin Park’s universally accessible water park.”
“We are excited to work with the City of Surrey in providing a place where kids of all abilities can play together,” said Scott Fraser, President, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities. “As we saw in 2018, the impact of Jumpstart Playgrounds on kids, families, and communities is profound, and we are proud to continue building a more inclusive Canada by providing accessible play.” At up to 12,000 square feet, the new inclusive playground will be the largest in Surrey and will provide imaginative and accessible spaces where children of all abilities can play together. It will be the seventh playground built in Canada with the help of Jumpstart funding. Today’s announcement follows the construction of playgrounds in Charlottetown, Toronto, Winnipeg, Prince Albert, and Calgary last year, with Saint John to break ground later this year. continued on next page...
continued from previous page... Located in Surrey’s Newton community, spanning 36 acres, Unwin Park is a family-friendly community recreation hub, featuring baseball diamonds, cricket and soccer fields, lacrosse boxes, a basketball court, outdoor pool and water park, and is accessible by transit. Jumpstart’s ‘Play Finds A Way’ movement, with Canadian Tire Corporation’s ongoing fundraising commitment, is helping Canadian children overcome physical barriers to sport and play. The ‘Play Finds A Way’ movement is made
up of three distinct programs: the Jumpstart Inclusive Playground Project, Jumpstart Accessibility Grants and the Parasport Jumpstart Fund. The five-year, $50 million fundraising commitment from Canadian Tire Corporation allows Jumpstart to focus funding efforts towards accessible playgrounds, infrastructure and programming to provide access to play and sport for children of all abilities.
Jumpstart Playgrounds – The Future of Inclusive Play November 30, 2021 BY SONYA WILSON HABITAT SYSTEMS Rising from the corner of an underutilized expanse of prairie field and sitting on a carpet of brilliant red rubber, a playground shows off its bold, inclusive design. Its wide, grey ramps extend out in an invitation for all to join in the fun. Tactile, interactive play panels are interspersed along the ramps, which lead to slides, climbers, and a jumbo, multi-user Sway Fun™. This play space presents an opportunity for children using a mobility device to be in the thick of the action. It is a safe space for kids to run and roll together to play on a spinner, a We-saw™, or swings. Children can also find quiet places to self-regulate in the bustle of the playground or find the stimulation they need to help them integrate their experiences. This Jumpstart playground provides a Northern Alberta community with the opportunity to experience what the future of inclusion looks like.
The Jumpstart playground at Clareview Community Recreation Centre in Northeast Edmonton is not only impressive in size, but in the scope of play options for children of all ages and abilities. Installed in the fall of 2020, it has become a landmark in an otherwise empty tract of field punctuated with a scattering of thin, young trees. Although there are some ball diamonds there, the area had primarily been used by people to cut across to access transit and the nearby Community Centre.
Thanks to the vision of Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities to create large-scale, inclusive playgrounds in every province and territory across Canada, there are now 10 inclusive playgrounds in cities across the country, including the one in Clareview. continued on next page...
continued from previous page... They are all part of Jumpstart’s Inclusive Play Project which started up in 2017. The project focuses on inclusive infrastructure and programming to promote access to play for kids of all abilities. This past summer, the playground proved to be “wildly successful” according to Matt Sloan, the Project Landscape Architect for the Clareview playground with the City of Edmonton. The City boldly embraced the opportunity to partner with Jumpstart and with some additional amenities they installed, like pathways linking the Rec. Centre to the park, enhanced lighting, benches, and a picnic shelter, the park has become a destination for families and a community hub. In fact, the playground was so well-used that the City had to temporarily add three additional litter receptacles! Jumpstart’s commitment to making play accessible for children of all abilities doesn’t end with the installation of the playground. They collaborate with local accessibility committees and groups who provide programming, which in Edmonton’s case, comes from the University of Alberta’s Steadward Centre of Personal & Physical Achievement. This past summer they launched an inclusive play program at the playground, guided by Steadward Centre Play Leaders. Programming ran twice a week for two hours on a drop-in
basis, so participants could choose to come and go as they pleased. Instructors came with a plan or theme for the session that could be adapted depending on the group. Carrie Millar, Community Impact Coordinator with the Steadward Centre, commented that it was a really busy summer: “Some days we would have 20 participants of all abilities.” Some kids became “regulars” while there were always new faces showing up as well. Children who attend the Free2BMe programming at the Centre were also invited to come out to join in the fun. Millar added that, “playgrounds are free and always open, which gives these kids more opportunities to engage in play.” A favourite game involved the placement of different coloured rubber circles on the ground around the We-GoRound. The colours each represented a different action. The kids would get on the We-Go-Round and be spun around like they were part of a spinner on a board game. Depending on what colour circle they stopped at, they might have to scramble to find a new seat, get off the spinner and perform a specific action, or help push the spinner around. The speed and motion of the We-Go-Round, along with the unpredictability of what action they would have to do, was what made this game so popular. continued on next page...
continued from previous page... The Steadward Centre, along with their collaborators, are putting the final touches on a lesson plan resource that will provide game ideas, tools, and information to use for putting together an engaging and fun experience for kids at a playground. The guide will include games matched to specific equipment at any Jumpstart playground! Jumpstart worked with Landscape Structures Inc. (LSI), a forward-thinking playground manufacturer with a diverse team of consultants who make up their Inclusive Play Advisory Board. Each Board member contributes their unique perspective to the design of equipment and play spaces and adopts the Seven Principles of Universal Design to influence their design practice. Applying the principles of universal design and considering ease of access to a site ensures that the broadest range of users will be able to enjoy the amenities offered. Matt Sloan commented that, “the City of Edmonton is reaping the benefits of this partnership between Jumpstart and LSI.” When a playground in an underutilized field becomes the centre of a community, the activities, laughter, and connections that follow are inspiring. Jumpstart’s Inclusive Play Project is an unprecedented example of how inclusion works. The way kids play on the playground is dynamic and lively. It offers all kinds of different play
opportunities, as well as opportunities for caregivers who use mobility devices to access the equipment and co-play with their children. Through their presence in cities across the country, these playgrounds will inspire more inclusive and accessible design in public spaces. Removing barriers to play ensures that there are equal opportunities for everyone to use the space, and that has proven to be “wildly successful”.
“The playground is the exclamation point on why accessibility and inclusion are so important. They’re a benefit to everyone.” – Eoghan Curran Project Facilitator on the Clareview Playground Team at the City of Edmonton
More Inclusive Play Resources
Habitat’s Inclusive Play Page
How to Design an Inclusive Playground
Contact Habitat Systems today to start your project: habitat-systems.com | 1.866.422.4828
Landscape Structures’ Inclusive Catalogue