New universally accessible playground coming to Unwin Park in Surrey

Later this year, Surrey is set to receive a new 12,000 square-feet universally accessible playground in Unwin Park in the Newton neighbourhood thanks to a partnership between the city and Canadian Tire Jumpstart.

The latter, a registered charity helping kids from disadvantaged families participate in physical activity, is gifting the project — that will include ramps, slides, and climbing apparatus built atop a giant Canadian Tire logo — as part of its “Play Finds a Way” initiative aimed at removing barriers to sport and play.

“Our parks and playgrounds play a vital role in providing a fun, safe and welcoming environment for children,” said Mayor Doug McCallum. “This new inclusive playground is a welcome addition for our children and all members of our community for years to come.”

This represents Jumpstart’s seventh such undertaking, following construction of other structures in Charlottetown, Toronto, Winnipeg, Prince Albert, Calgary and one in Saint John slated to break ground later this year.

The playground complements an inclusive water park as well an outdoor pool, baseball diamonds, a batting cage, cricket fields, soccer fields, lacrosse boxes and a basketball court situated on 36 acres of land between 132 and 134 Street/70b and 68 Avenue.

Charity president Scott Fraser said he looks forward to moving ahead with construction.

“We are excited to work with the City of Surrey in providing a place where kids of all abilities can play together,” said Fraser. “As we saw in 2018, the impact of Jumpstart Playgrounds on kids, families, and communities is profound, and we are proud to continue building a more inclusive Canada by providing accessible play.”

View a sample 3-D rendering of the finished product here.