If you’ve walked, rode or driven by Strathcona Beach Park lately, you’ve likely spotted the towering new structure.
That’s the new playground at the waterfront park behind Kelowna General Hospital, and the City of Kelowna says it promotes inclusion and wellbeing through active, independent and meaningful play.
The accessible playground has features like rubber surfacing, a colour palette to support those with vision impairment and barrier-free access to play elements.
“We know play supports kids’ wellbeing by boosting happiness, inspiring creativity and strengthening social connections,” said Mayor Tom Dyas. “The City is pleased to have a new, safe and inclusive space that welcomes everyone who visits this popular park.”
Strathcona Beach Park’s proximity to local health supports like Kelowna General Hospital, JoeAnna’s House and the Cancer Society make this type of addition an important one for the neighbourhood.
Funding to build the structure was provided by the Kiwanis Legacy Endowment Fund through a grant of $150,000.
“The KGH Foundation Kiwanis Legacy Endowment Fund has a mission to help children and youth by providing funding for projects that enhance their health and well-being,” said Kiwanis Legacy Fund Committee Chair Wendy Falkowski.
“Supporting the City in creating spaces in our community that enable play for kids of all ages and abilities fully aligns with this vision.”
Annual proceeds from the historic $4-million endowment gifted to the KGH Foundation are dedicated to supporting local healthcare programs and projects to benefit children and youth in the region.
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