Nearly two years after the initial project started, the Town of Blackfalds is celebrating the opening of their new inclusive playground.

Inclusive playgrounds have adapted play spaces that include components and spacial considerations for children and caregivers with different degrees of disabilities, either physical or cognitive.

Blackfalds' new park also includes a quiet area for kids and families who may have sensory needs that require them to take some time to rest. The park was designed by Variety - The Children's Charity, a Canadian company that works to develop and create inclusive playgrounds.

Adaptive features such as this five-person see-saw are some of the inclusive designs that have been executed in Blackfalds' latest playscape.

“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,” explained Larry Horeczy, Co-Managing Director with Variety.

“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,” Horeczy said. “Blackfalds did not have a fully inclusive playground, and the Town was in support of working with our charity to bring one to its community members.”

Some of the components for the playground include a special turf that chairs, walkers, and other mobility aids can be used on, ramped access to the play structures and swings that are able to be used by children and adults with physical impairments. 

The main play structure has been designed to incorporate a ramped entry, with a slide embedded in the side of the playspace, as well as a mobility-friendly upper play portion.

Fundraising has been an on-going challenge for the project, but a number of groups have come together to help round out the cost. As well, donations in-kind and cash donations have been contributed by Blackfalds businesses and service groups, such as the Optimist Club of Blackfalds. The Town of Blackfalds and Lacombe County each made financial contributions as well. 

The Town of Blackfalds committed $125,000.00 as approved by Council, and Lacombe County contributed $50,000.00.

“Rather than focus on playground equipment, we focus on the experience that an inclusive playground offers children and community members,” Horeczy added. “Play is a crucial part of building children’s physical, social, and intellectual skills and offer play spaces where children learn to share, work together, and learn how to treat their peers."

"If community groups, school groups, and municipalities continue to build playgrounds that are not inclusive, then they continue to deny children from participating in these critical experiences.”

The new park is located at the corner of Vista Trail and Westbrooke road in the northwest corner of Blackfalds.