A Jumpstart Inclusive Playground will be added in Vernon's Marshall Field Park. (Submitted photo/City of Vernon)

By Pete McIntyre

Marshall Field Park

Vernon to get Jumpstart playground

May 31, 2021 | 12:32 PM

A Vernon park is about to get a new addition that will provide fun and enjoyment for numerous children.

The city and Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities have announced that Vernon has been chosen to receive a Jumpstart Inclusive Playground for Marshall Field Park.

The large facility is designed to accommodate children of all abilities.

“We are very excited by this announcement,” Mayor Victor Cumming said. “This is a significant investment into Marshall Field Park and a wonderful addition to Vernon’s park offerings. Having a new accessible playground for our community is an important step in being an inclusive and youth friendly city.”

Cumming is thanking Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities and local associate dealer Jack D’Amico for the generous donation.

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The city anticipates the playground will be open late autumn, according to Christy Poirier, Manager, Communications and Grants.

The city says the Marshall Field Park location will support sibling play during soccer, be beneficial for the new daycare that will be constructed adjacent to Laker’s Clubhouse, and activate the park through the summer. In addition, council has already approved funding for the construction of a playground on this site; therefore, this donation will enable a much larger, accessible playground that has been designed and vetted by national accessibility experts.

Jumpstart will contribute the professionally-designed accessible playground and the rubber surface that it will sit on.

The city’s contribution includes the site and site preparation, accessibility upgrades including paved walkways, bathroom upgrades and facilities around the playground, playground inspection, maintenance and annual reporting.

The gift is part of Jumpstart’s Inclusive Play Project, a five-year fundraising commitment from Canadian Tire Corporation focused on inclusive infrastructure and programming, to help give Canadian kids of all abilities access to sport and play.

Scott Fraser, president, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, said they are thrilled to introduce the playground to Vernon.

“On track to creating large scale inclusive playgrounds in every province and territory across Canada, our goal is to ensure they become the standard for inclusivity by creating imaginative spaces where children of all abilities can share in the magic of play,” Fraser said.