Aurora Highview Community Millenium Project (AHCMP)

There is momentum building in the movement to develop standards for accessible playgrounds and playspaces in Canada. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has addressed this issue in the U.S. and Canadian experts are looking to our southern neighbours to set up our own guidelines.

In Aurora, Ontario, a grass roots initiative has begun building a playground that is fully accessible for children with disabilities. It will allow inclusive and integrated play opportunities for all children, challenging them at different levels.

After extensive months of research with design manufacturers on structural requirements and playground standards, it was discovered that, in Canada, no specifications have been established. Further research revealed that the American Society for Testing and Materiels (ASTM) standards had recently been legislated for accessible playgrounds. In lieu of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act (ODA) being discussed, it was felt that accessibility for playgrounds was the next millenium frontier for community improvement. The Aurora playground will set standards
in York Region as a model project through the creation of an integrated barrier-free playground with the central message, "In the spirit of equal play for all children!"

To learn more about how your community can build their own barrier-free playground please look at the AHCMP website at http://www.aci.on.ca/.

The Ontario Parks Association (OPA) provides information to help plan play spaces. Using a cross-section of experts, special interest groups and manufacturers of products the OPA is encouraging the CSA to fast track the Canadian Standards. For more information contact ODP at Tel: (416) 426-7157 Fax: (416) 426-7366.