Lindsay Joseph and Maggie Aziz of Canadian Tire JumpStart were in attendance via video conference to present information about the Canadian Tire Jumpstart program. The presentation about the Canadian Tire Jumpstart Playground was not available to be distributed to the committee. The following points were noted:
- The playground in St. John's is the 8th in Canada.
- Large-scale inclusive accessible playgrounds in every Province and Territory.
- Hoping for advocates in the Community to support the community in understanding the unique features of the playground and encouraging family and friends to visit the playground and experience it for themselves.
- 5-year $50 million fundraising commitment from Canadian Tire Corporation, Jumpstart's Inclusive Play Project is helping Canadian kids overcome physical barriers to sport and recreation. Included in this initiative are the following:
- Playground Initiatives
- Accessibility Infrastructure Grant which was utilized by the City of St. John's.
- Parasport grants are also available and it was noted that if there is anyone interested in applying, they can contact Jumpstart for more information on the application process.
- Coaching resources are available online and can be used towards accreditation.
- Affordable equipment is a focus for Canadian Tire and they are currently looking at affordable adaptive equipment for kids that want to take part in sport for a reasonable price.
Jumpstart Inclusive Playground at Mundy Pond Park
Overall Inclusive Design features include:
- Over 11,010 square feet.
- Double Wide Ramps - the entire main structure has double wide ramps which allow for at least 2 mobility devices in play at one time.
- There are multiple entry and exits points so that children don’t have to retrace their entry path to exit the structure.
- Unitary Surfacing - surfacing is a pour in place rubber that will lead directly and without barrier from the pathways directly onto the surface of the playground. The surface is a safe feature of the playground.
- Rhapsody Music Collection - includes a combination of drums and chimes that provide children with a range of musical tones allowing to explore an assortment of rhythms. The arched design of each element allows for easy roll-up access for those using wheelchairs and allows children of all abilities to explore music together. This music centre provides an opportunity for all sensory systems to be engaged.
- We Saw - provides children with movement up and down in space. During onboarding the equipment stays in a level state. Children can find the "just right" movement experience by sitting in the molded seats or on the center console, with both seating options providing varying degrees of support that can be used as children need or want to engage in movement. The seats are large enough to accommodate teens and adults, providing a fun vestibular experience for people of all ages.
- Swing Structures - includes a wide variety of swing types so that children can find their "just right" swing. Friendship swing and two molded bucket swings with harnesses. Standard and toddler swings also will be incorporated into the design.
- Omni Spin - great place for a group of children of all abilities to explore movement together. As the updated version of the traditional "Merry-Go-Round". This feature will include different transfer heights, scooped seats for core stability and an option to ride or push.
- Sway Fun Glider - provides a social gathering point where children can rest and still play. Together children can make the Sway Fun move providing them with vestibular input. The placement of the table in this element is a key component of its design, this creates an opportunity for children using mobility devices to actively participate in creating motion. Children using mobility devices do not need to transfer onto the equipment; they can roll onto same.
- Roller Slide - provides a tactile and auditory experience while children slide. It is wide enough for children to slide down together. The rollers eliminate any possible static electric build-up which allows children with cochlear implants to use the slide without fear of static electricity discharging into their hearing device.
- Transfer Bench - allows children to slide with their peers and easily transfer themselves to and from their mobility device. It is also a great area for children with sensory issues to take a break.
- A double steel slide which you see in traditional playgrounds is also planned.
- Cozy Dome - special climber that can also be used as a get-away place for children who want a break from all the sights and sounds of the playground. It's the perfect mix of a fun climber with round openings for hand and foot placement as well as a cozy place on the inside to escape and observe others playing.
- Sensory Play Center - has numerous features that provide stimulation and visual play. The KaeleidoSpin Panel encourages children to explore visual patterns in the world by spinning the viewers on the panel, helping them understand cause and effect. The Fun Mirror Panel encourages visual play. There is also a serving window for imaginative play.
- SwiggleKnots Bridge - encourages children to develop a variety of motor skills including balance, motor coordination and overall body strength. The design is not fully accessible for kids of all abilities but can be used by occupational therapists and physiotherapists because it allows them to provide different levels of challenge to build motor skills.
- We Go Round - (St. John's is only the second to receive this piece) inclusive merry-go-round that offers ample room for kids and families to interact and play together including those using mobility devices. The integrated roof provides shade and the center handhold allows riders to participate in the spinning fun. Once aboard, everyone faces the center so they can easily share smiles, laughter and conversation while in orbit. There is barrier free entry and no transfer. There is a built in regulator to remain in safe operation. The mechanics of this piece is in the upper dome for easy maintenance access. This piece is large enough to fit several wheelchairs as well as users without chairs. Large motorized chairs will also fit.
- 7 Post Netplex with Disc Net Climber - challenges children to constantly respond to their own movements as well as the movement of other children climbing on the net. The subtle movements of the net help build core trunk muscle strength, while improving balance, flexibility and motor coordination.
- Educational Panels - introduce children to various forms of communication as they play while creating an inclusive learning environment for children of all abilities. Panels will include concepts such as sign language, braille and clocks.
The following was also noted:
- The We Go Round can accommodate a large assisted mobility device.
- Tactile features were considered for people who are blind or partially sighted. Tactile sensory features are included for some of the structures included on the playground. Each feature has a different texture to it which provides opportunity for mind mapping of the playground site.
- It was noted by a member of the Committee that there may be contrast concerns for children with vision loss in using the colors of red and charcoal. The response from the presenters was that playground design has an ability advisory committee and through that communication it was recommended to use those colors. There is a grey roller slide planned for the City of St. John's playground which is alternative to the color of the surfacing.
- Canadian Tire to get feedback on the use of the playgrounds using a research team that will visit the sites and report back on the key findings on use of playgrounds and the reflections from the community on what they like or what they would change. The feedback allows them to change design elements if needed and creates opportunities for improvement. Each City will receive an information document that will be shared with the occupational therapy community and the physiotherapy community, teachers, support workers and parents that will allow to use the playground intentionally as a tool. Feedback will be requested from groups such as the Inclusion Advisory Committee. There have been 5 post build analyses completed across the country to date.
- It was noted that Canadian Tire Parahockey will be hosted in Paradise the first week of December.
- Concerns about vandalism were raised by a member of the Panel and it was noted that to this point there has not been significant damage in other provinces. The City of Prince Albert installed motion sensor lights and extensive lighting. Currently the City is reviewing the lighting needs for this new playground. There is between a 3 to 100 year warranty on the large playground structures for damage. Items which should have normal wear and tear have a shorter warranty. Most of the structures are steel and wood but the main posts are aluminum. These posts have a 100 year warranty.
- It was noted that the climate in the City of St. John's has been considered in the choices for the playground structures to be installed at Mundy Pond Park.