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Three world-class, accessible playgrounds are being built in Richmond, Whistler and Vancouver, venue cities for the 2010 Winter Games. These playgrounds will enable children with disabilities to play side-by-side with their siblings, friends, family members and caregivers.
"With accessible paths leading to play areas, stable and level surfaces next to play equipment, and interactive elements such as boats, treehouses, sound gardens and sensory walls, these playgrounds meet the needs of children and families who may not be able to access other play spaces," says Bruce Dewar, CEO of 2010 Legacies Now.
"This project is a prime example of how 2010 Legacies Now finds innovative partnerships to create lasting legacies for British Columbians as a result of B.C. hosting the 2010 Winter Games," continues Dewar. "We are proud to be a part of this project to create legacies which will benefit so many children and their families for years to come."
The Richmond playground, located along the Middle Arm Waterfront Greenway, was officially opened February 5, 2010. The Whistler playground at the Celebration Plaza will be open March 11, and the Vancouver playground, located at Kitsilano Beach Park, will be completed later in 2010.
The Province of British Columbia has provided $750,000 for the project, while Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Canada has contributed $300,000, and the Let's Play Project, a partnership of the Rick Hansen Foundation and the Province of B.C., has provided $150,000.
2010 Legacies Now is coordinating the project. The City of Richmond, City of Vancouver through the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation, and Resort Municipality of Whistler provided the land space, and are overseeing the building and ongoing maintenance of the playgrounds.
"Ronald McDonald House Charities of Canada is thrilled to support the 2010 Legacies Now playgrounds project," said Rem Langan, chairman, RMHC of Canada. "At RMHC, we are proud to support programs aimed at improving the quality of life of special needs kids. The accessible playgrounds built from this partnership will bring many smiles to kids and their families. And by offering a universal play environment, together we will enable kids of all abilities to play together."
