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Ground breaking has been held for construction of a Canadian Tire Jumpstart Inclusive Playground in Vernon's Marshall Field Park. (Submitted photo/City of Vernon)
By Pete McIntyre
Marshall Field Park

Ground broken on new Vernon playground

Jul 29, 2021 | 1:34 PM

Work on the newest addition to a Vernon park is getting underway.

A ground-breaking ceremony has been held for a Canadian Tire Jumpstart Inclusive Playground at Marshall Field Park in the Okanagan Landing.

The ground is broken at Marshall Field Park for Vernon’s new Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities’ Inclusive Playground, to be opened in fall 2021. (Back, left to right): Steve Roch, Angelina D’Amico, Jean Sebastien Levesque, Jenna D’Amico, Carmina Barone, Jack D’Amico (local Associate Dealer), Brian Quiring (Vernon Acting Mayor), Erik Mustonen (Vernon Parks Planner), Mark Corson, Laurie Holton, Glenn Breugom, Theresa Larsen (Front, left to right): Grason Walker, Breven Walker, Josh Walker. (Photo credit: City of Vernon)

The city says the location will support sibling play during soccer, be beneficial for the new daycare that will be constructed adjacent to Laker’s Clubhouse, and will keep the park busy through the summer.

Construction of the playground should be done by this fall.

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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.

With support and funding from local associate Canadian Tire Dealer Jack D’Amico, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities is contributing the professionally designed inclusive 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.

Acting Mayor Brian Quiring called it an exciting moment to be part of.

“This new playground is going to be a game changer, providing a safe and enjoyable space for children of all abilities to stay active, explore, and play without boundaries. On behalf of the city, thank you to Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities and local associate dealer Jack D’Amico for the generous donation of the Jumpstart Inclusive Playground and the kindness you’ve shown for families across the Greater Vernon area,” Quiring exclaimed.

Scott Fraser, President of Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, said the play area will help provide kids of all abilities the opportunity to develop social, motor and cognitive skills through casual play.

“As we emerge from the pandemic, spaces for safe outdoor play will be critical to helping youth rebuild their mental and physical health, while strengthening confidence to achieve their goals in school, sports, and life,” Fraser stated.

by Pete McIntyre
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