A universally accessible playground in Unwin Park in the City of Surrey is set to start construction this summer.

At up to 12,000 square feet, the new inclusive playground will be the largest in Surrey and will provide imaginative and accessible spaces where children of all abilities can play together. The park is a gift to the City of Surrey from Jumpstart as part of the charity’s ‘Play Finds A Way’ movement, which focuses on removing accessibility barriers to sport and play.

“Our parks and playgrounds play a vital role in providing a fun, safe and welcoming environment for children,” said Mayor Doug McCallum. “This new inclusive playground is a welcome addition for our children and all members of our community for years to come.”

It will be the seventh playground built in Canada with the help of Jumpstart funding. Today’s announcement follows the construction of playgrounds in Charlottetown, Toronto, Winnipeg, Prince Albert, and Calgary last year, with Saint John to break ground later this year.

“We are excited to work with the City of Surrey in providing a place where kids of all abilities can play together,” said Scott Fraser, President, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities. “As we saw in 2018, the impact of Jumpstart Playgrounds on kids, families, and communities is profound, and we are proud to continue building a more inclusive Canada by providing accessible play.”

Located in Surrey’s Newton community, spanning 36 acres, Unwin Park is a family-friendly community recreation hub, featuring baseball diamonds, cricket and soccer fields, lacrosse boxes, a basketball court, outdoor pool and water park, and is accessible by transit.