The new accessible playground at Picadilly Park was officially opened May 23 with a ribbon cutting and shouts of joy from the students gathered for the big day.
The playground in West Sechelt cost approximately $65,000 and boasts a multi-play station, twister slide, a bubble viewer, climber, accessible swing set, a maze wheel and a talking tube.
The entire playground sits upon an impact-absorbing rubberized surface that's made up of over 5,400 kg of recycled tires.
District co-ordinator of council and community relations Connie Jordison welcomed students from West Sechelt Elementary School for the opening ceremony, noting their letter to the District in January was considered when the new park was being built.
"One of the main things you were looking for was some place where your classmate Mac could play with you because he uses a wheelchair or a walker," Jordison said. "We looked at your letter and we had already planned accessibility improvements here, and we hope you like these. We're going to take your letter and look at the rest of the suggestions you made as we plan park improvements in the future."
Teacher Kathy Reid noted the event was a great opportunity for students to realize that "they can make a difference."
The accessible park was made possible through partnership with McDonald's Sechelt, which raised $8,000 for the cause, the Tire Stewardship council of B.C., which provided the material for the rubberized surface, private donors and the District of Sechelt.
Picadilly Park is at 6345 Jasper Rd. in West Sechelt.
