On October 29, members of the Leduc City Council, the Black Gold School Division, community partners, special guests, staff and students gathered at Willow Park School to inaugurate the City of Leduc’s first inclusive playground.
“This playground is not just a space for fun,” said Leduc Mayor Bob Young. “It is so much more than that. It is a symbol of Leduc’s commitment to inclusion and accessibility. This new playground is a space where children – regardless of ability – can play, explore, and grow together.”
In total, the playground cost $700,000. Of that, $125,000 was paid for in grant funding from the Government of Alberta ($125,000) and Canadian Tire Jumpstart Program ($25,000). The grant funding, secured for the project by the Kinsmen Club of Leduc, allowed for the additional of three components: accessible seating, a core board communication panel for non-verbal users, and a wheelchair accessible swing.
“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the City of Leduc, Canadian Tire Jumpstart, Leduc Kinsman, and all our community partners who helped turn this dream into reality,” said Board Vice Chair Angie Charpentier. “Your support has given our children a place where they can feel included, valued, and empowered.”
“This project is a true reflection of our Board’s commitment to building welcoming, inclusive environments for every child in our schools and communities,” said long-serving Leduc Trustee Barb Martinson.
The playground offers a variety of inclusive features, including a wheelchair-accessible glider swing and spinner, four types of slides, a rope climbing structure, and sensory equipment. Additionally, it proudly presents two regional firsts: a ground-level accessible spinner and a free-standing play marble machine.
Additional playground features include:
- STEM/STEAM free-standing play miracle machine; first in the region
- Sensory play equipment including smooth, textured, visual, auditory and uneven play components
- A rope climber
- Playhouse for imaginative play
- Symbol-based communication board
Check out the video highlights from the playground opening ceremony.