TED HARRISON INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND - NOW OPEN
Through a partnership with The City of Calgary, the Parks Foundation and the Parents Association of Ted Harrison School, a brand new, fully fenced Inclusive playground is now open in the community of Taradale.
The City of Calgary is looking for additional feedback regarding the adjacent park area to the playground. To join the conversation visit, https://engage.calgary.ca/ted-harrison-playground
PARK LOCATION
The park will be located in the community of Taradale, on the corner of Taralake Way NE and Taradale Dr NE, Calgary, AB T3J 0E8
WHAT IS AN INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND?
An inclusive playground goes beyond minimum accessibility standards to provide an environment where children (and citizens) of all abilities and needs can interact. “Inclusive” spaces utilize a set of universal design principles that guide the placement and overall function of the play structures, pathways, seating, equipment and other amenities. An inclusive playground is designed for equitable participation that would support the needs of a person with mobility limitations but might also cater to the needs a child who is visually impaired or living with Autism. In an inclusive playground, children, families and caretakers can play together in the same space, regardless of ability, needs, age, gender, culture, or race.
PLAYGROUND BACKGROUND
In late 2020, the City of Calgary announced new infrastructure investments for 2020-21, to support a more competitive, accessible and resilient city during a year of unprecedented challenges. This resulted in Calgary Parks receiving $16M in funding towards Parks infrastructure projects, funded through the provincial Municipal Stimulus Fund (MSP). The Parents Association of Ted Harrison School (PATHS) partnered with the City of Calgary and Parks Foundation to utilize some of this funding to build a “Gold Standard” inclusive playground that will nurture social connection and well-being for individuals of a variety of ages, abilities, and sociocultural backgrounds. The playground will be a new space for the community of Taradale, a NE community that is underserved in park and play spaces. This project is intended to help fill the gap in this community and for surrounding communities, and provide a space that supports a variety of individuals with a cross section of abilities.
DESIGN CONCEPTS
Parks Foundation has awarded Canadian Recreation Solutions the contract to supply and install the playground. They are a reputable playground supplier and installer with 20 years of experience. The playground design is an Unlimited Play Gold Certified Playground, which is the 1st gold certification for an inclusive playground in Canada. Key Elements of the playground design include:
- Designed to be inclusive and accessible for children of all abilities aged 2-12 in Taradale and surrounding communities.
- Includes playground equipment from Little Tikes Commercial, an industry leader who focuses on child development and inclusivity.
- Equipment highlights include Tiki Hut, Spinner, Together Glider, Melody Maker Panel, Braille Clock Panel, Talk Tube, Roller Slide, and Swing Seat.
- Ramped access right up to the highest deck, so that nobody is excluded.
- A central climbing structure that provides an increased challenge of play.
- Vibrant colour combinations recommended by the community of Taradale.
For additional information, questions, or feedback, please reach out to info@parksfdn.com
