Groundbreaking Celebrates Start of Jumpstart Inclusive Playground

At a special event held this morning at Shannon Park, the start of construction of the future home of the Jumpstart Inclusive Playground was celebrated. For more than three years, volunteers of the Inclusive Play Project have mobilized individuals, organizations, foundations and all levels of government to contribute to the development of this accessible playground, named the Jumpstart Inclusive Playground.  
 
Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities (Jumpstart) is a national charity dedicated to enabling lifelong success through access to sport and play. By removing financial, physical, geographic, and systemic barriers, equipping organizations to serve diverse communities, and using sport to build skills to increase confidence and connection, we help create lasting opportunities for children and youth in Canada. 

“Jumpstart is committed to working alongside communities to help create inclusive spaces where children of all abilities can participate in sport and play,” said Stuart McReynolds, Chief Operating Officer, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities. “Together with the City of Kingston and the Inclusive Play Project, we’re proud to support the development of the Jumpstart Inclusive Playground – a space that will help remove barriers to play and create lasting opportunities for kids to connect, belong, and thrive.” 
 
Shannon Park, located at 199 Wilson St., was chosen as the location for the Jumpstart Inclusive Playground due to existing accessible play equipment as well as its proximity to accessible facilities at Rideau Heights Community Centre.  Featuring rubber safety surfacing and ramped play structures, the Jumpstart Inclusive Playground will allow everyone to walk or roll right onto the play structure and equipment, without the need to transfer from a mobility device. Along with safe and easy access for kids and family members, the play space offers engaging opportunities tailored to a wide range of physical abilities and sensory needs. Site amenities will also include bench seating, picnic tables, and a shade shelter within the fully fenced play space.  
 
“Today’s groundbreaking shows what’s possible when a community comes together around a shared vision,” says Mayor Bryan Paterson. “The Jumpstart Inclusive Playground will be a place where every child, regardless of ability, can play, connect, and feel a true sense of belonging. Thank you to the Inclusive Play Project, our partners, and the many volunteers and community members whose dedication and generosity have made this milestone possible. I look forward to returning for the official opening and seeing this space come to life for our community.” 

The budget for the construction of the Jumpstart Inclusive Playground is $1.5 million, and fundraising is currently at 92% of the goal. Thanks to the generous commitment of Tim Hortons Kingston, the Inclusive Play Project (IPP) was selected as the Spring 2026 Smile Cookie charity of choice, and IPP volunteers hope to sell enough Smile Cookies April 27-May 3 to reach the final fundraising goal. Find out more here.  

"We are beyond thrilled to officially break ground on the Jumpstart Inclusive Playground! This moment has been a long time coming, and it truly reflects the incredible support and enthusiasm of our community,” says Rachel Doornekamp, Founder, Inclusive Play Project. “We are so grateful to everyone who helped bring this vision to life, and we can’t wait to see the playground take shape and become a welcoming, inclusive space for children and families of all abilities.” 

Community Effort

The Jumpstart Inclusive Playground would not be possible without the support of the Inclusive Play Project volunteers who paved the way to turn the idea of an inclusive playground into reality. The Jumpstart Inclusive Playground is made possible with funding from Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities. Thank you to those who have generously supported the Inclusive Play Project, including Tim Hortons Kingston, the Government of Canada’s Enabling Accessibility Fund, Kinsmen Club of Kingston, Britton Smith Foundation, Anna and Edward C. Churchill Foundation, Enhancing Access to Spaces for Everyone Grant, V2 Innovations, William James Henderson Foundation, Swyrich Corporation, Kingston Construction Association, Lawson Foundation, Rotary Clubs of Kingston & Gananoque, The Kingston Foundation for Autism, Skyline Group of Companies and Empire Life. In addition, hundreds of local children, families, businesses and organizations have held fundraisers and personally donated.

More information about the Jumpstart Inclusive Playground can be found on Get Involved Kingston. To find out more about supporting the Inclusive Play Project with corporate sponsorship, in-kind donations and financial donations, visit its website.

About the Inclusive Play Project

The Inclusive Play Project is a grassroots initiative led by parents, educators, and community advocates committed to creating accessible and inclusive outdoor play spaces in Kingston. The project has built strong partnerships with local organizations and raised significant funds to support inclusive recreation in the city.