Featured Event

Generations Playground

The Cranbrook Early Childhood Development Committee is currently raising funds for Generations Playground which will be Cranbrook’s first fully universally-accessible playground.  The universally-accessible playground will provide an opportunity for all children to play side-by-side at Cranbrook’s newest Tot Park.

This will be the first playground of its kind in the community.  Currently most of our playgrounds have a pea gravel base, which makes it impossible to traverse in a wheelchair or with a walker.  The Cranbrook Early Childhood Development Committee feels that an accessible playground will not only benefit the children, but the community as a whole by providing a level playing field for all children of all abilities.  Parents, grandparents and caregivers, with accessibility issues will also have the opportunity to play alongside and supervise safely with greater ease. 

The playground will allow children with disabilities; physical, developmental and sensory to play side-by-side with their able-bodied peers, fostering acceptance and awareness. It will feature a special spongy, safe surface that will not only allow for accessibility, but also cut down on bumps and bruises.  All children deserve to play together in a safe and engaging environment regardless of their mental or physical ability.

The current structure will feature a special transfer module so children can transfer onto the structure if they are physically able to get out of their wheelchairs and crawl onto the structure.  Play event highlights also include: an accessible swing, toddler swing, ground-level play events, areas for independent play and group play, an accessible water fountain, as well as a pathway from the parking area to the playground, to the picnicking area.  Our plan is to make this a gathering place for families, integrating the seniors on the fitness park with the children playing on the playground by offering a picnicking area where everyone can gather. 

This project will be a true example of what can be accomplished through a partnership between the community, the Cranbrook Early Childhood Development Committee and the City of Cranbrook.  Play is a critical component to the development of healthy, happy children.

Our hope is to have Generations Playground completed by Fall of 2011.

It is not too late to get involved by becoming a sponsor, a volunteer or both!  Contact Patricia Whalen at .

We would like to thank all of our sponsors to date:
- City of Cranbrook
- Fortis BC
- Columbia Basin Trust
- Sunrise Rotary of Cranbrook
- Cranbrook & District Community Foundation
- Better Babies