Lieutenant Governor, Prince Edward and Mayor planting tree for Neshama Playground in Toronto

June 8, 2008 - PRLog -- Toronto – Today at 2 pm, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, The Honourable David C. Onley, His Royal Highness The Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and His Worship Mayor David Miller will plant a maple tree in the presence of community leaders and children with disabilities to launch Neshama Playground, a universal accessible playground being built at Oriole Park next year.  

Neshama, meaning “one soul” in Hebrew, is a joint initiative between a local citizens group, who are fundraising $1M from the private sector, and the City of Toronto, who are contributing the land and other infrastructure to support this revolutionary playground.  The ceremony will be attended by contributors and donors, who have collectively raised more than $670,000 to date for the playground, and children and families who will benefit from its creation.

“Neshama Playground is an opportunity to create a place that will engage the imagination of Toronto's children in a variety of creative ways,” says Mayor David Miller.  “Public spaces that are innovative and inclusive provide children with the opportunity to play together and help us build a more liveable city.”

Neshama will be a model accessible playground with features to engage and integrate children of all abilities, including those with physical and cognitive disabilities.  Beyond accessible physical play structures, Neshama will also create opportunities for creative, sensory, educational, and dramatic play experiences to stimulate children with different skills.  Accessible features such as washrooms, paths, and seating also accommodate parents with special needs.  Neshama has convened an Accessibility Advisory Council of leading community service organizations to provide input to represent the needs of children with a wide range of skills and abilities.

“Because of existing barriers to entry, prohibitive surfaces, inaccessible structures, inappropriate play spaces, and transportation issues, Toronto needs one amazing playground that is universal, accessible and inclusive for all children,” says Theo Caldwell, Chair of Neshama’s Campaign Cabinet which has raised nearly $700,000 to date to build the playground.  Caldwell adds, “We need a place with state of the art features and play areas to include those kids who are most in need of fun.  Neshama Playground is that place.  Neshama Playground will have a zero rejection policy and create a sense of belonging for everyone and it won’t be less fun for kids without any challenges.”

At the reception, The Honourable David C. Onley will deliver a message about accessibility, His Royal Highness The Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex will unveil a plaque, and the dignitaries will plant a silver maple tree that will be a lasting symbol of growth at the playground.

- Sunday, June 8, 2008 at Oriole Park (201 Oriole Parkway, near Davisville)
- activities begin at 1:00 p.m., ceremonies commence at 2:00 p.m. sharp.
- Toronto Parks, Recreation and Forestry staff will conduct children’s activities including face painting, beading and games.

For more information about Neshama Playground and how to get involved or make a donation, visit www.neshamaplayground.ca or call 416 304-3931.

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Media contacts:  Melony Jamieson, 416-518-6355, melony@getitdone.ca