Cochrane's Centennial Park playground will be revamped thanks to Variety the Children's Charity of Alberta.

The organization received a $125,000 helping hand from the provincial government to bring Cochrane another inclusive playground where all users can enjoy the features regardless of their abilities. 

Janna Hands, Managing and Communications Director for Variety shares the organization has a phased project planned depending on their fundraising success. "On the low end we are looking in and around $300,000 and that is with in-kind donations. That would be site preparation, taking out the gravel, preparing the site, adding the cushion, doing the whole area with rubber surfacing, adding the equipment and then adding pathways; our high end we are looking at $800,000 and creating a park of all seasons."

Although you may be surprised Centennial Park is just over 15-years-old; Larry Horeczy, Co-Managing Director shares for its age the park was designed quite well but some elements are due for replacement. "The rubber itself has surpassed its lifespan so that does need to be done but at this point, it is accessible and has some inclusive features to it. When they built this they did a good job; there's some good equipment on here but it has a lifespan. You've got weather and gravel that comes up here and damages the equipment and the surface, but it was done well for the time it was built."

With a minimum and maximum fundraising goal, the group will start with replacing the area where the swings are located. "Where the swings are right now you will see two disc swings which are accessible to everyone and they're a blast. We'll put different heights on it so it meets everybody's needs. That is one of the unique features we do; not only do we have what is considered an accessible and inclusive piece but by the way, you position things you now meet everybody's needs including those with low mobility, short stature with low muscle tone. We also have a climber and spinning climber, for inclusion anybody can play in it; we'll have transfer seats so even if you can't really climb you can sit. The final one is a dual 35-foot long zip line, one will have a seat that has all the supports in it so you and your friends can all go on it no matter what your physical capacity is. Then depending on funding, we'll add some sensory pieces for sound, sight and cognitive stimulation because if a playground is inclusive it's not just a lot of fun but therapeutic."

Creating a playground with the concept of equal play is growing as awareness improves. No longer does 'inclusive' mean one or two features a disabled person can access, today's focus is about creating play opportunities for all regardless of physical, cognitive or sensory challenges. "When we talk about playgrounds we talk about universal design; that means that anybody of any age and any ability can play at a playground. There's a lot of stigma around disability and some stigma around inclusive playgrounds, some people think they're not going to be fun and that they're for children with specialized needs but we recognize the design we build is for everybody and every person can come and play in a meaningful way."

Banff-Cochrane, MLA Cameron Westhead says the Alberta government is thrilled to support projects such as these. "Kids love to play and play with their friends, no one wants to be left out; so it is great to be able to support this type of playground where everybody can play and be with their friends. It also supports the hard work the community is doing to make sure it is an inclusive community and playground for everybody. 'Play' is an essential part of learning and it is a focus of the government to make sure we invest in education and give kids the best start they can possibly get."

With the additional $125,000 funds from the Community Facility Enhancement Program, Variety's fundraising total to date is $218,000. If you would like to learn more or donate to the project, you can do so HERE.