Brittany Hudak and Malcolm Jenkins mark the official opening of P.A.'s newest playground (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Active kids

New playground installed for children with physical, intellectual disabilities

Jun 25, 2019 | 2:31 PM

The Alfred Jenkins Field House is now home to a unique kind of playground.

Tuesday morning representatives from a variety of groups including the City of Prince Albert, Government of Saskatchewan and Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities were out to mark the opening of the facility, which is designed to accommodate those with both physical and intellectual disabilities.

The city’s newest playground is the first of its kind in Saskatchewan and one of only five across the country. Local philanthropist Malcolm Jenkins, who was a major contributor to the playground, said helping kids be active is something he believes is truly important.

“They can build a healthy body by being outside running and chasing and playing at an early age like this, developing their skeletal frame. I played soccer from the age of six to the age of 73 and I credit the fact that I am still here with that,” he said.

Jenkins said when he was growing up in school there was more opportunity for kids to be active and he hopes the new playground will encourage physical activity amongst the younger generation. During his speech to mark the official opening of the playground, Jenkins made sure to thank the community for shopping at his local Canadian Tire store, which has helped him contribute more.

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“This is our way of paying back,” he said.

Kids on the swing set at the new playground (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

Besides Jenkins, the playground received support from the city and the Canadian Tire Jumpstart Project. Jumpstart hopes to have similar facilities all across Canada by 2021.

Scott Fraser president of Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities said the playground has a number of features like rubberized surfaces and wider access ramps to allow those with physical disabilities to have access. The structures are also designed to appeal to children diagnosed with autism.

Fraser added giving kids the ability to play and take part in sport is something his organization feels strongly about.

“No kid should be denied access to play,” he said.

Brittany Hudak a local paralympian, who worked as an ambassador with jumpstart had some high praise for the new facility.

“This playground is incredible. I had the chance to walk around and get the tour and learn about all the features and it’s absolutely amazing,” she said.

One of the stations at the new playground is musical (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

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MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn