MONTAGUE, P.E.I. - Coun. Debbie Johnston wants to see some of the town’s parks become a little more accessible.
Montague council voted unanimously during last night’s committee of council meeting in favour of a request made by Johnston to look into playground equipment for those with disabilities.
While the town has several parks, none of them have playground equipment specifically designed for those with disabilities.
“I think it’s only fair we try to accommodate everybody that uses our parks,” said Johnston. “I think it’s needed for people in the town and for any visitors we have.”
Council will vote once more on the initiative during next month’s regular council meeting.
If approved, town staff will start looking into what type of approved playground equipment is available, the costs involved and whether there are opportunities to collaborate with other community groups.
Johnston said she was previously approached by a resident on the issue.
She was also influenced by the news that Charlottetown will soon see a fully accessible playground built in Victoria Park.
The Charlottetown project is being funded by Canadian Tire’s Jumpstart Charities Inclusive Playground Project initiative.
While there were no funds included in Montague’s 2018 budget for playground equipment, Johnston said once staff look into the possibilities she may put forward a request for next year’s budget.
Johnston also suggested one piece of equipment, a swing that can accommodate a wheelchair known as a “liberty chair.”
“I’m sure there’s lots of equipment out there, I’ve only looked at a couple of things myself,” she said. “When the one in Charlottetown is up and running, I’d love to go in and see what they have. We may be able to use some ideas from it.”
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