It's been in the works since 2010 but thanks to the efforts of a local committee and the support of city council, a new play structure is soon to become a reality in the city that will ensure all children have the opportunity to "be a kid."
In 2010 the Weinmaster Accessible Play Structure Committee was formed in Yorkton to raise both awareness and funds for a new play structure in the city that is wheelchair accessible. As a part of the 2013 budget, council committed $250,000 towards the initiative to be constructed at Weinmaster Park. On Monday at its regular meeting, council gave the go ahead for a design company turn the concept into a reality.
"All children need to play as it is essential for their physical, social and emotional well being," said Darcy McLeod, the city's director of parks and recreation to council. "An important aspect of playground design today is making sure all kids have access to play."
Accessible play structures are built to encourage shared play among kids of all physical abilities.
Currently in Yorkton, says McLeod, "children with disabilities, often in wheelchairs, can only watch from the sidelines."
With the new addition to the city. able and less able-bodied children will have the opportunity to play side by side in an environment that is accessible and equipped with special features unlike in other parks.
"A universally accessible playground is a play environment created to be wheelchair accessible throughout the entire structure and surrounding play area with more challenging paths of travel or activities along or beside the wheelchair accessible routes. Accessible play structures also allow parents and caregivers with physical disabilities to be nearby and to play with their children. Replacing the existing structure will provide able-bodied and less able-bodied kids the chance to play together, teach able-bodied kids about inclusion and remove barriers to participation."
In addition to the $250,000 committed by council, the local play structure committee successfully raised an additional $54,769.31, bringing the total for spending on the new park up to $304,769.31. On Monday it was agreed "Park 'N Play Design Company" will be hired to go ahead with the work to make the structure a reality.
