There was plenty to celebrate on September 25 as children, families, donors and community partners gathered at Empower Simcoe’s EarlyON Child and Family Centre in Barrie for the grand opening of our new accessible playground.
Located at 129 Ferris Lane, the new playground has transformed the centre’s outdoor space into a vibrant place where children of all abilities can play, explore, learn and connect.
The project was made possible through the Empower Simcoe Foundation’s Hooray for Outdoor Play Campaign, which brought together the generosity of donors, sponsors and community partners to create an outdoor space designed with inclusion and accessibility in mind.
At the ribbon-cutting celebration, Empower Simcoe President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Claudine Cousins spoke about what the new playground means for the children and families who use the centre.
Today is about much more than unveiling a playground. It is about creating opportunities for children and families. It is about belonging. It is about inclusion. And it is about ensuring every child has a place to play, learn, grow, and connect.”
- Dr. Claudine Cousins
The new playground will provide enriching outdoor learning and recreation opportunities for children and families who attend the EarlyON Child and Family Centre, as well as children participating in Empower Simcoe’s Ontario Autism Program/Entry to School programs.
From the early stages of construction to the completed playground, the project has been a community effort. The result is a space where children can discover their surroundings, develop new skills, enjoy active play and spend time together with their families and peers.
For the families who use Empower Simcoe’s programs, the playground is another opportunity to create meaningful experiences in a space where children of all abilities can participate and feel a sense of belonging.
Empower Simcoe extends our heartfelt thanks to the donors, sponsors, community partners, staff and everyone who helped bring the Hooray for Outdoor Play Campaign to life.
The playground is now open and ready for children and families to enjoy for years to come.
