Accessible Playgrounds Project

Three new playgrounds to improve accessibility for people with disabilities

Three world-class, accessible playgrounds are being built in Vancouver, Whistler and Richmond, venue cities for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

The three accessible playgrounds will be designed to enable all children, including children with disabilities, to play side-by-side with their siblings, friends and families, including caregivers with disabilities.

2010 Legacies Now is coordinating the project, and funds have been provided by the Province of B.C., Ronald McDonald House Charities of Canada and the Let’s Play Project, a partnership of the Rick Hansen Foundation and the Province of B.C. The City of Richmond, City of Vancouver and Resort Municipality of Whistler have provided the land space, and are overseeing the building and ongoing maintenance of the playgrounds. The playgrounds are designed by Shane's Inspiration, a not-for-profit organization that donated its services, free of charge.

The Vancouver playground will be located at Kitsilano Beach Park; the Richmond playground will be located along the Middle Arm Waterfront Greenway, close to the Olympic Oval; and the Whistler playground is being built at the Celebration Plaza. The Richmond playground and 60 per cent of the Whistler playground will be completed in time for the 2010 Winter Games; the playground in Vancouver will be finished later in 2010.
 

The accessible playgrounds partners announce funds for the playgrounds. From left to right: Shane's Inspiration CEO Tiffany Harris; Richmond Acting Mayor Greg Halsey-Brandt; Rick Hansen Foundation Board Member Jim Watson; Ronald McDonald House Charities of Canada Board Chair Rem Langan; Minister of State for the Olympics and ActNow BC Mary McNeil; 2010 Legacies Now CEO Bruce Dewar.

Read the accessible playgrounds news release.

More details will be added to this page as they become available.
 

Social Sustainability

As a result of the legacy development work with Accessible Playgrounds, we have been awarded a Vancouver 2010 Sustainability Star. The Sustainability Star program recognizes Games-related sustainability innovations, focusing on social, economic or environmental benefit. Learn more about our organization’s social sustainability.


The Accessible Playgrounds Project is a partnership between the Province of B.C., Ronald McDonald House Charities of Canada, Rick Hansen Foundation, 2010 Legacies Now, City of Richmond, City of Vancouver, Resort Municipality of Whistler and Shane’s Inspiration.

The Accessible Playgrounds Project is a Partnership between the Province of B.C., Ronald McDonald House Charities of Canada, Rick Hansen Foundation, 2010 Legacies Now, City of Richmond, City of Vancouver, Resort Municipality of Whistler and Shane’s Inspiration.