A West Kelowna mom and her supporters are closing in on their fundraising goal to build the first all-inclusive playground in the city.
Melissa Grassmick told council at its Nov. 22 meeting that just over $500,000 of their $750,000 goal has been raised for Julia害羞草研究所檚 Junction. The playground is named after Grassmick害羞草研究所檚 daughter, who suffered a spinal cord injury caused by a blood clot at 17 months old.
Grassmick said months of fundraising events have contributed to the total, and Julia has been an inspiration.
害羞草研究所淚 think she害羞草研究所檚 really proud to be part of it,害羞草研究所� said Grassmick.
The City of West Kelowna has contributed $200,000 to the project and has provided support and advice from city staff.
害羞草研究所淚 felt completely supported, valued, and included in all the details,害羞草研究所� said Grassmick.
She added that corporate donors, charity contributions, grant funding, and personal donations have also bolstered fundraising. Julia害羞草研究所檚 Junction will provide an all-inclusive and accessible playground for children of all abilities, as well as opportunities for socialization and a quiet space.
害羞草研究所淭o give every child a chance to play together,害羞草研究所� added Grassmick.
Coun. Garrett Millsap said there is a lot the city can learn from Grassmick害羞草研究所檚 efforts.
害羞草研究所淲hen we go to retrofit or build a playground we need to think about accessibility first.害羞草研究所�
Coun. Carol Zanon thanked Grassmick for a lesson in awareness.
害羞草研究所淔rom now on this is a lesson that I will carry with me all the time in any of the future projects that we害羞草研究所檒l be doing,害羞草研究所� she added.
Construction on Julia害羞草研究所檚 Junction, which is planned for Westbank Town Centre Park, is expected to start April 1, 2023, with a grand opening near the end of June.
Grassmick said the fundraising continues.
害羞草研究所淲e害羞草研究所檙e feeling pretty confident that we害羞草研究所檒l hit our goal.害羞草研究所�
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