For Immediate Release
Featuring one of the first wheelchair-accessible swings in the region, the new playground at KidsAbility’s Waterloo Centre is open to the entire community, thanks to the generous support of donors.
WATERLOO, ONTARIO – KidsAbility proudly announces the grand opening of its fully accessible playground located at 500 Hallmark Drive, Waterloo.
This community-driven initiative, made possible by the generous contributions of local donors, provides a welcoming, inclusive space where children of all abilities can play, learn, and grow together. The playground embodies KidsAbility’s mission to foster accessibility and equity, offering opportunities for children to engage in play-based therapy and build meaningful social connections.
“This playground is more than just a place to play—it’s about creating opportunities for every child, no matter their ability, to connect, grow, and thrive,” said Jennifer Foster, CEO of KidsAbility. “With its variety of inclusive features, it reflects our commitment to accessible spaces. It offers a safe, welcoming environment where children of all ages and abilities can play side by side, while their families form lasting connections within the community.”
The playground plays a crucial role in supporting early intervention programs, such as the Junior Kindergarten school readiness program at KidsAbility School. It features several engaging and inclusive features, designed for children of all abilities, including:
- Wheelchair-accessible swing & spinner: One of the first in the region, providing the joy of swinging and spinning for children who use mobility devices.
- Sensory play zones: Designed to support social interaction, physical activity, and imaginative play.
- Equipment ramps: Ensuring easy access for children with mobility challenges.
- Variety of slides: Inclusive options that cater to children of different abilities.
- Cushioned surfacing: Soft and supportive to accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility devices.
- Non-verbal communication board: Helping children who have difficulty verbalizing to communicate with peers and caregivers.
- Vibrant colors: Bright and sensory-rich colors designed to engage and invite children into play.
“KidsAbility’s accessible playground is not just a playground, it is a sense of community for families. For children like my son, who have disabilities, it is the freedom to explore and play in a safe space alongside other children with independence. To watch my son happily playing in a space with full confidence in his abilities is not only a gift, but building blocks to a more independent future for him” said Ashley Biddiscombe, parent of a KidsAbility client and member of the KidsAbility Centre Board of Directors.
This playground was made possible through the generosity of local donors and our community partners.
Lisa Talbot, Executive Director of KidsAbility Foundation, emphasized the impact of community support: “Thanks to over $614,000 in donations from individuals and businesses, the playground is a shining example of what we can accomplish together. The community’s generosity and commitment to inclusion are truly the heart of this project. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration, providing a space where children of all abilities can experience the joy of play and connection.”
Dorothy McCabe, Mayor of Waterloo, added: “We are proud to support a project that serves the diverse needs of our community. This playground is more than a space for physical activity—it’s a place where children can build social skills and create lasting memories. It’s an essential part of every childhood.”
The playground is open to the community daily from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., when not in use by KidsAbility programs from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. For more information about the playground or KidsAbility programs, please contact info@kidsability.ca or visit kidsability.ca/programs-services/.
Donations to KidsAbility are crucial to funding services, new technologies, and research partnerships that transform the lives of children and families. To learn how you can contribute to future projects like this, please visit kidsability.ca/get-involved-give/ways-to-give/.
For high-resolution images of the playground in action, access our media kit.
Download News Release (PDF)
About KidsAbility
Founded by Rotary in 1957, KidsAbility is a leader in pediatric rehabilitation services, serving over 17,000 children and youth from birth to age 21 across the Kitchener-Waterloo and Guelph-Wellington Regions each year. KidsAbility is dedicated to helping children and youth with disabilities reach their full potential by fostering communication, social, physical, and behavioral development. As demand for services continues to grow, KidsAbility remains committed to expanding its impact in the community. For more information, visit www.kidsability.ca.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Chantel Cassar
Co-Founder, Category Communications
chantel@categorycomms.com
647-621-1323