Queens County will soon be a place everyone can come to play.
The South Shore Chapter of Autism Nova Scotia has partnered with the Region of Queens to build an inclusive playground.
Cynthia Carroll, executive director of Autism Nova Scotia, says the park will make sure everyone get a chance to play.
“Ensuring that children of all abilities, including children, youth, and adults with autism have opportunities to engage in play and in their community.”
The playground will feature accessible equipment as well as play equipment that has sensory appeal for people with autism.
Carroll says Liverpool was chosen after much research.
“We had a community that is known for being a leader and innovative and we felt it was a great fit,” says Carroll.
The fact that Queens is also home to many group homes and inclusive workplaces made it a good fit as well.
The municipality is providing in kind donations, including water usage for a splash pad, as well as use of land next to Queens Place Emera Centre.
The park will be created on land adjacent to the Mersey Skate Park.
Autism Nova Scotia will manage construction and ongoing maintenaince of the playground.
The Region will also provide $25,000 in support and ultimately be the owners of the playground.
Carroll says they’re consulting with occupational therapists to determine the best layout for the park.
“And we will be pulling in others as well to consult on things like design and playground location, on how do we even set up areas of the playground.”
The project is estimated to cost around $500,000 and the hope is to have it completed in about a year.
The municipality will also pitch in with grant writing, though Carroll says they’re open to finding more partners for the project as well.
She says they are excited to start the project and would ultimately like to see this type of park in every community.
