Aurora's Highview PS seeks support to build new inclusive, accessible playground

Local school hopes to raise $300K to put toward project

Yorkregion.com
Feb. 22, 2023
Melissa Wallace

Regular users of the Spirit Playground at Highview Public School in Aurora, were dismayed to learn their beloved and accessible structure would be fenced off and dismantled this year due to unsafe conditions.

The playground, built in 2000 and located at 240 McClellan Way, has a lower level with a smooth surface so individuals who use wheelchairs, walkers and other mobility devices can play with their peers. The structure also includes accessible seating for wheelchair users, a ramp system and interactive games on the walls as part of the second level.

“Our school has five community classes for exceptional people,” said Pamela Perreira, principal. “We have two classes for students with developmental delays, a class for students with autism, a class for students with self-regulation needs and another class for students with multiple exceptionalities who are the main group that require mobility devices to access the playground and move about with their peers.

“The playground is a community hub, used by the entire local community, and is the only playground where parents who are wheelchair users themselves can play with their children.”

Five years ago, one of the first things that needed replacing was the rubberized surface.

“It was quite expensive to replace it, but without that, you lose the ability to have wheels access the space,” said Perreira. She explained that as the playground was constructed 23 years ago, the components had "one-of-a-kind pieces built to spec," and when the playground began to fall apart and became unsafe this past winter, it was more cost-effective to start a project to replace it.

The school, which owns the playground, is hoping to raise $300,000 toward the project.

“We want to create an accessible and inclusive playground so that everyone can play together,” said Perreira. “All children have the right to play, not just be present while others are playing, but be actively engaged in play.”

Members of the public can donate at https://yrdsb.schoolcashonline.com. Click “Items” at the top right, then “Make a Donation” at the top right. Enter your amount. Select “Highview Public School” in the drop-down menu. Click “Add to cart,” “Continue,” “Continue as Guest,” proceed to checkout, and print your tax receipt. Cash and cheques will also be accepted. Corporations interested in getting involved or individuals who have comments on the playground design are welcome to connect by emailing pamela.perreira@yrdsb.ca.

“I think the sense of urgency will be felt even more once the playground is actually removed,” said Perreira. “It’s one thing to hear it’s coming down; it’s another thing to see it gone.

“But I do believe the community will rally. They’ve done it before, and hopefully, they will do it again. It’s a very valid and rewarding piece to see everyone being able to play together."