The Town of Okotoks is making sure children of all abilities have the opportunity to get outdoors and play.

They're working on an inclusive playground that will be barrier free and feature equipment everyone can use.

Okotoks Parks Manager Christa Michailuck, says the playground will take more needs into consideration.

"An exclusive playground would be a barrier free playground so those that have mobility challenges, maybe in a wheelchair or others, can get onto surface of the playground. The playground itself can be more accessible to children depending on their disability."

Also included will be additional seating, some sort of shade/shelter, the addition of change tables to bathrooms, and potentially more garbage cans.

Michailuck says there's two areas they're considering for the park.

"Riverside Park, which is across the road from Seaman Stadium, adjacent to the river, and there's Cimarron Central Park which is the major park in Cimarron that already has a barrier free playground and we'd be looking at complimenting what's there with some additional equipment."

With this being the first specialized playground in Okotoks, Michailuck adds it's important the park is located in a larger community park and not a sub-community park so the area will have more adequate parking and washroom facilities.

Residents can offer their input at the inclusive playground workshop Thursday, March 22, at the Pason Centennial Arena at 6 p.m.

 

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