Editor:
Re: Generations Playground opens for all, Sept. 5.
As a lifelong White Rock resident, I was very excited to see that a new “all-abilities” park was being built to replace the rather tired and dark wooden structures I played on as a child.
I walked up to the park on opening day to take in all of its splendour. Bright colours and a variety of play areas attracted a number of climbing, laughing children and their parents/caregivers. It was wonderful to see so many people coming together to celebrate the opening.
The equipment was enthusiastically tested by a variety of children of all ages. There was ample seating on benches throughout the park for those whose mobility or poor endurance required a rest. It seemed a bright and new treasure for the city.
However, as I walked around the park in its entirety the shiny, bright structures lost some of their allure as I came to realize a troubling flaw in the design of this park. I was truly saddened that for all of the claims of “all abilities,” the park was not wheelchair friendly. The paths were not paved and there was no wheelchair-accessible equipment.
I am puzzled as to why the designers did not think to install a wheelchair swing. A wheelchair platform swing enables wheelchair users to safely enjoy the freedom of swinging without having to leave their chair. This allows the wheelchair user to remain independent and does not require that they try to transfer to another seat. The platform is easily accessible via an integral ramp and a locking system that secures the wheelchair in place. This is one small step to create more inclusive facilities for people of all abilities and all ages. Children and adults alike enjoy a good swing and to feel the wind on their faces.
So while I commend the city and its donors for the tremendous upgrade to this park, I feel they fell short of the mark in creating a truly “all abilities” park.
Vanessa Harrison, White Rock