How it all began...

In October 2000, a mother walked through a park between two elementary schools and noticed a child sitting alone in a corner, sifting the gravel through her fingers, watching the other children play on the playground immediately in front of her. Not knowing this child, she made some inquiries to other mothers at the park and learned that Christine was a 6-year-old girl who had been born with spina bifida and used a wheelchair for mobility. The woman raised this issue with two other moms and it immediately became clear to these three women that there was a strong need for an accessible playground in our community. At this point, I was contacted and asked for my opinion.

Wow! What an exciting idea, yet it almost seemed impossible that there were others willing to advocate for such a cause. When you become a parent, you immediately assume the role of advocate for your child. When a disability is involved, this task becomes almost overwhelming at times. Unfortunately, this is rarely a positive experience. Yet, here I was being approached by a group of committed and determined mothers who had the most positive and enthusiastic outlook for the entire project.

Going to the movies, the mall and even the park presents obstacles; but the playground is one of the mostlimiting places we can go because we are separated as a family there. Christine approaches a playground feeling defeated, but if she spots a ramp at the playground which gives her hope for a chance to play, her enthusiasm, determination and infectious smile surface and her hands quickly power her wheelchair up the ramp faster than you can imagine.

Accessibility means more than a single, isolated piece of equipment that does not present any interest or challenge. To me, inclusive means in the middle of the action in a playground that challenges all children to play at their highest level of ability. Play is only partly physical - it is also an intellectual, social and emotional experience. I see endless benefits in teaching children about disabilities. By enabling them to play together, it allows them to develop a comfort level which breaks down prejudice and "bridges the gap". What a dream for Christine to have access to the same playground equipment as her friends and sisters without barriers between them. I have learned so much from Christine and feel that she has so much to teach others about determination, motivation and overcoming challenges.

Yes, Christine lives her life from a wheelchair and will have ongoing medical concerns throughout her life. She is also working on her second badge in swimming, performs with her dance group at Telemiracle, loves to do crafts with her sisters, goes to church and summer camp, has carepartners at school that she adores and has a best friend - there is so much about Christine that is not disabled - and like any other 6 year old, she is not concerned with 'removing architectural barriers' she just wants to play with her friends.

Christine is the inspiration behind this project, but as you will see from our proposed playground structure, this will truly be a 'Playground for EveryBody', fun for children of all abilities in a setting that is safe and accessible to all. Parents with mobility challenges will also have full opportunity to be involved with their children at the playground.

We recognize that this is a huge undertaking, and our project possibly may need to be done in phases if we are unable to meet our ultimate fundraising goal as quickly as we hope to. Our committee is currently seeking major and other sponsorship to kick-start our fundraising as well as volunteers who wish to become part of our Committee. We are asking you to embrace the opportunity to help us create a barrier-free yet challenging place where all family members are included in play and where classmates/friends can develop and socialize together.

As her mother, it breaks my heart to see Christine watch from the sidelines as friends enjoy themselves on the playground knowing that watching from the sidelines is not her style. I am passionate about this project as I see direct benefits for my family, but I also see benefits for all residents in our community and beyond. Let's move ahead with this playground and strengthen the spirit within our community.

On behalf of the EveryBody's Playground Committee of the Erindale/Arbor Creek Community Association, I sincerely thank you for considering this request, and I hope that you will meet Christine on the playground playing alongside your children some day soon.