Photo courtesy of Maven Lane and Tire Stewardship B.C.
New Accessible Playground

New accessible playground in Vernon made of recycled tires

Oct 16, 2024 | 2:18 PM

An organization dedicated to re-purposing old tires has helped build an accessible playground in Vernon.

Tire Stewardship B.C. (TSBC), an environmental non-profit dedicated to the collection and recycling of scrap tires, has supported the construction of an accessible playground for Maven Lane in Vernon.

Maven Lane was the recipient of the TSBC Community Grant Program, and the new accessible playground has now been fully installed and is made in a way that can accommodate children with sight, hearing and motor skill challenges.

“We appreciate the support from Tire Stewardship BC, families, and our local government in bringing our new inclusive and accessible playground to life,” Hollie Henderson, Executive Director of Maven lane, said.

“The playground at Maven Lane now features a barrier-free path that ensures all children, regardless of abilities, can access all play areas and equipment. The inclusive design allows children with accessibility challenges to participate in group play, develop physical competencies, and build confidence and relationships in a supportive environment. The playground’s design also supports parents and educators, making it easier for them to engage with and support all children. For three decades, Maven Lane has been a cornerstone in providing exceptional care for families in the community. The need for quality childcare is greater than ever, and we are committed to continuing to support families for generations to come. The new accessible playground is a significant addition, benefiting children, parents, grandparents, siblings, educators, and the entire community.”

The playground was built using 1,009 scrap recycled tires collected from throughout B.C.

“Through our TSBC Community Grant Program, we are working towards revolutionizing child care playgrounds. This playground is an example of a new standard for inclusivity and accessibility,” Rosemary Sutton, Executive Director of Tire Stewardship B.C., said.

“Pour-in-place rubber surfacing is such a desirable surface material for enhancing playgrounds, particularly when the goal is to increase accessibility. If a child is in a wheelchair, pea gravel or other surfaces are incredibly challenging to navigate. Rubber surfacing ensures children and adults of all abilities can participate, and everyone in the community benefits. We’re so excited to see this playground in Vernon come to life!”

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