Fundraising for the new state of the art integrated accessible playground in Saugeen Shores is kicking into high gear.
The playground committee just recently held it’s community launch.
Jayne Jagelowski, Recreation and Culture Manager for the Town of Saugeen Shores says their fundraising goal is 250 thousand dollars and they are already half way there.
Jagelowski says about 128 thousand dollars has been raised so far – 75 thousand dollars of that is coming from Saugeen Shores Council.
Construction on the playground – to be located in Jubilee Park – is to begin in the spring 2010.
Chair of the fundraising committee Mini Jacques says there is going to be a big regional draw to the park because it is the only one of its kind on a large scale.
Jacques says it will be a park for everyone, not just people with special mobility needs.
She says even seniors and middle aged adults with disabilities will be able to use it.
The surface throughout the play area is going to be rubberized.
Other features will include a fully accessible parking lot and pathways leading to the park and washroom facilities.
Jacques says we don’t often see people with disabilities because there are no places for them to go – or places to play.
Angela Richard, the parent of a child with cerebral palsy is ecstatic about the accessible playground.
Richard says she often takes her daughter to the accessible playground at Harrison Park in Owen Sound because she can’t go to a regular playground.
She says it will be fantastic having a playground for her and her daughter to go to right in the community.
Jagelowski says they are currently spreading the word amongst residents hoping to drum up some volunteers and and more money.
To get more info, volunteer or to donate money you can visit www.saugeenshores.ca