Kingston celebrates opening of Jumpstart Incusive Playground

By Christena Lawrie, CFRC's Broadcast Journalist and Local Journalism Initiative Reporter.

After three years and $1.6M fundraised, Kingston’s first-ever inclusive playground is now open.

The Jumpstart Inclusive Playground officially opened with a celebration on site at Shannon Park in the Rideau Heights neighborhood last weekend.

The journey started when pediatric occupational therapist Rachel Doornekamp noticed how local playgrounds fail to accommodate children with special needs. Doornekamp launched the Inclusive Play Project, a community initiative committed to creating inclusive outdoor play spaces in Kingston, in 2023.

The Inclusive Play Project spearheaded the playground project in partnership with Jumpstart Canadian Tire Charities and the City of Kingston, with support from individuals, organizations, foundations and all levels of government.

The playground has been designed with features to accommodate mobility aids, sensory needs, and secure spaces for children with elopement risks.

“We really are hopeful that this is just the beginning for Kingston and that this is kind of a pilot and a showcase for why we need more spaces like this,” says Doornekamp.

Listen to the full story here.