Efforts to build a new universally designed play park in Liverpool are rounding the home stretch.

For five years, chairperson of the universally designed play park fundraising committee, Debbie J Wamboldt and her team of dedicated volunteers have scoured the region to raise the $450,000 needed to realize their vision.

To date, they’ve amassed $415,000 and, with $35,000 left to go, Wamboldt is highly optimistic they will reach their goal before summer is out.

“Our community is stepping up and I have no words for how proud I am,” said Wamboldt.

The universally-designed play park will be situated between the existing skate park and Queens County search and rescue building next to Queens Place Emera Centre.

Wamboldt says community members have contributed through private donations and so many events such as:Touch-a-truck, fundraising walks, bottle collection and placing donations in the collection box at the Liverpool Shell.

The group also applied for a number of grants, and, in May, the campaign received a huge shot in the arm when the provincial government provided $100,000.

Wamboldt says some of those grants come with conditions that require the group to meet certain goals by fall such as preparing budgets and issuing tenders so they can break ground in the spring.

The universally-designed play park is different than other playgrounds as it follows the seven principles of inclusive design.

Wamboldt some people have a hard time understanding those guiding principles behind the park and why a play area like this is so necessary.

“Basically, they are a way of designing a space so that there is it equitable use for everyone. There should be no barriers to your use of this place,” Wamboldt. “So, regardless of your ability, you can use it regardless of your age, you can use it regardless of your religion, race, any orientation, you will be able to use this space.”

The park will be comprised of a large play structure, swings and a splash pad but Wamboldt says the final design won’t be set until they have reached their fundraising goal.

She says she knows she can count on Queens County residents to get them the rest of the way.

“Now’s the time,” said Wamboldt. “If you’re on the fence about helping, it’s going to become a reality.”

Reported by Ed Halverson 
E-mail: edhalversonnews@gmail.com
Twitter: @edwardhalverson

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