About Us

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Who We Are

We are group of passionate community members who are working towards building an inclusive playground here in Kingston. An inclusive playground allows children and adults of all abilities to play together and creates a fun, nurturing environment for everyone. These playgrounds are accessible (e.g. rubberized surfacing, ramps and wheelchair rocker), but also have classic features you would see in a typical playground (e.g. slides and monkey bars). 


We are working closely with the City, and the proposed site for the inclusive play space is Shannon Park in the Rideau Heights District. This park is an ideal location because it already has several accessibility features, and is close to the Community Centre with an accessible washroom. A Canadian commercial playground company that specializes in inclusive playgrounds has provided us with an amazing design to get us started.

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$500,000+
In Funds Raised!

Our Story

Rachel Doornekamp, a pediatric occupational therapist with nearly 15 years of experience, launched the Inclusive Play Project (IPP) after witnessing how local playgrounds often fail to accommodate children with special needs. Inspired by an accessible playground by Canadian Tire Jumpstart in Charlottetown, PEI, Rachel returned to Kingston determined to create a similar inclusive space. Through advocacy and collaboration with community organizations like Extend-A-Family Kingston, IPP received City Council approval in September 2023 to establish an accessible playground designed to accommodate mobility aids, sensory needs, and secure spaces for children with elopement risks.

More than a fundraising initiative, IPP has become a movement, raising awareness about the importance of inclusive play. The project has drawn widespread community support, with local families sharing stories about how the playground will enhance their children’s lives and provide benefits for parents with accessibility needs and seniors as well. This initiative reflects a belief that play should be accessible to all, transforming IPP into a symbol of unity and community education.

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The Inclusive Playground

The planned location for this playground is Shannon Park, situated in the Rideau Heights District of Kingston. This site has been selected due to its existing accessible features and proximity to the Rideau Heights Community Centre, which offers accessible facilities. 

What People
Are Saying

Our community’s enthusiasm for the Inclusive Play Project has been inspiring. From parents and educators to local advocates, people across Kingston are eager to see a playground that ensures everyone can play side by side. This space reflects a shared vision for accessibility and inclusion, celebrating the power of play for all ages and abilities. Here’s what the community has to say about the project and its impact!

GET INVOLVED
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"Awesome initiative. It’s surprising that this area does not already have parks such as this. The world would be so much better if everything was Accessible and Inclusive. It’s always been one of those things close to my heart having worked many years with people who have disabilities."

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"Even parents who have to drive their children to appointments from outside of Kingston itself. What a treat to be able to end the day at a fully accessible park!!"

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"I could see these spaces also being of benefit for teens, adults, and seniors with mobility needs if the equipment sizing could allow! The benefits of swinging span all ages."

Meet Our Families

We want to introduce you some of the families that this playground would support. This is about community. Our community should be integrated so ALL families can play. Because play should be for everyone!

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Volunteer Spotlight

Meet Jill!

As a physiotherapist dedicated to supporting youth with complex physical disabilities, Jill understands the critical need for safe, inclusive, and engaging play spaces in our community. She was inspired by the Inclusive Play Project’s mission and is thrilled to contribute her expertise to help create environments where everyone can play, connect, and thrive together.

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