Jumpstart Inclusive Playground

Thanks to the community leadership of the Inclusive Play Project, Shannon Park in Rideau Heights will be the site of a brand-new, highly accessible playground designed to welcome children of all abilities.

Featuring rubber safety surfacing and ramped play structures, the playground provides safe and easy, transfer-free access for kids and family members using mobility aids such as wheelchairs and walkers. The play area also includes sensory-friendly elements, offering engaging opportunities tailored to a wide range of sensory needs.

Construction is planned for 2026.


A map showing the playground's location in the northwest corner of Shannon Park, to the east of the existing playground which will remain, near the intersection of MacCauley Street and Daly Street.


The new Jumpstart Inclusive Playground will be in the northwest corner of Shannon Park, to the east of the existing playground, near the intersection of MacCauley Street and Daly Street. Once completed, the playground will feature a variety of different play options. Some of the examples are shown in the image below.

A collage made up of 15 different images depicting examples of the playground equipment at the new Jumpstart Inclusive Playground.


Background

This project was spearheaded by the passion and commitment of the Inclusive Play Project, a local community group dedicated to celebrating and promoting the power of play for all ages and abilities.

In September 2023, Kingston City Council adopted the recommendation from the Municipal Accessibility Advisory Committee (MAAC) to work with the Inclusive Play Project and community partners, to support the building of a highly inclusive playground in a City-owned park.

Shannon Park was chosen as the location of the new accessible playground site, due to existing accessible play equipment as well as its proximity to accessible facilities at Rideau Heights Community Centre.

Fundraising and support

Since 2023, fundraising efforts have secured commitments of more than $1.2 million for the project from private individuals, foundations, corporation donations and government support. The Jumpstart Inclusive Playground is made possible with funding from the Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities. Thank you to those who have already donated to the Inclusive Play Project, as well as significant support from, Kinsmen Club of Kingston, Britton Smith Foundation, V2 Innovations, Swyrich Corporation, Kingston Construction Association and Lawson Foundation. Fundraising is ongoing and please visit the Inclusive Play Project's website to learn how to donate.

The City of Kingston has continued to provide support for the project; this includes providing the City owned land for the playground site, a contribution of $300K in funding, along with staff support to manage the design including civil works, procurement package creation, as well as oversight of the construction of the playground. The City will also ensure the long-term maintenance of the playground after construction is completed.

Stay connected

Project news and updates will be posted on this page and emailed to followers. Sign up to receive updates using the follow project feature or check back here periodically to stay informed on project progress.

Thanks to the community leadership of the Inclusive Play Project, Shannon Park in Rideau Heights will be the site of a brand-new, highly accessible playground designed to welcome children of all abilities.

Featuring rubber safety surfacing and ramped play structures, the playground provides safe and easy, transfer-free access for kids and family members using mobility aids such as wheelchairs and walkers. The play area also includes sensory-friendly elements, offering engaging opportunities tailored to a wide range of sensory needs.

Construction is planned for 2026.


A map showing the playground's location in the northwest corner of Shannon Park, to the east of the existing playground which will remain, near the intersection of MacCauley Street and Daly Street.


The new Jumpstart Inclusive Playground will be in the northwest corner of Shannon Park, to the east of the existing playground, near the intersection of MacCauley Street and Daly Street. Once completed, the playground will feature a variety of different play options. Some of the examples are shown in the image below.

A collage made up of 15 different images depicting examples of the playground equipment at the new Jumpstart Inclusive Playground.


Background

This project was spearheaded by the passion and commitment of the Inclusive Play Project, a local community group dedicated to celebrating and promoting the power of play for all ages and abilities.

In September 2023, Kingston City Council adopted the recommendation from the Municipal Accessibility Advisory Committee (MAAC) to work with the Inclusive Play Project and community partners, to support the building of a highly inclusive playground in a City-owned park.

Shannon Park was chosen as the location of the new accessible playground site, due to existing accessible play equipment as well as its proximity to accessible facilities at Rideau Heights Community Centre.

Fundraising and support

Since 2023, fundraising efforts have secured commitments of more than $1.2 million for the project from private individuals, foundations, corporation donations and government support. The Jumpstart Inclusive Playground is made possible with funding from the Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities. Thank you to those who have already donated to the Inclusive Play Project, as well as significant support from, Kinsmen Club of Kingston, Britton Smith Foundation, V2 Innovations, Swyrich Corporation, Kingston Construction Association and Lawson Foundation. Fundraising is ongoing and please visit the Inclusive Play Project's website to learn how to donate.

The City of Kingston has continued to provide support for the project; this includes providing the City owned land for the playground site, a contribution of $300K in funding, along with staff support to manage the design including civil works, procurement package creation, as well as oversight of the construction of the playground. The City will also ensure the long-term maintenance of the playground after construction is completed.

Stay connected

Project news and updates will be posted on this page and emailed to followers. Sign up to receive updates using the follow project feature or check back here periodically to stay informed on project progress.

  • News release: Momentum continues in fundraising campaign for Kingston’s first inclusive playground

    Following approval from City Council on April 15, the inclusive playground to be built in Shannon Park will be named the Jumpstart Inclusive Playground thanks to grant funding provided by Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities (‘Jumpstart’) and the Kingston Canadian Tire dealers. Jumpstart is a national charity that works to help youth overcome barriers to sport and play.

    “Jumpstart is an excellent community partner and has been supporting initiatives in Canada to help kids play for 20 years and we are so excited to welcome their support in Kingston,” said Amy Elgersma, Director, Recreation and Leisure Services. “The funding from this naming rights agreement is an important part of getting closer to the fundraising goal for the inclusive playground.”

    In the spring of 2023, a group of Kingston residents met with City of Kingston staff to discuss the idea of an inclusive playground. Since then, the volunteers and partners of the Inclusive Play Project have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars.

    "We are proud to help bring the Jumpstart Inclusive Playground to life in Shannon Park," said Stuart McReynolds, AVP, Programs & Advocacy, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities. "Jumpstart is committed to creating a more inclusive Canada by developing safe and inclusive play spaces for kids of all abilities. This partnership with the City of Kingston demonstrates our dedication to building stronger communities through the power of sport and play."

    Special thanks to those individuals who have already donated to the Inclusive Play Project, and for the significant support from Kinsmen Club of Kingston, Britton Smith Foundation, V2 Innovations, Swyrich Corporation and Kingston Construction Association.

    The Inclusive Play Project continues to work tirelessly towards its fundraising goals and would greatly appreciate your help to make this playground a reality. To donate or find out more about the Inclusive Play Project, visit its website. Because playgrounds should be for everyone!

Page last updated: 05 Sep 2025, 09:24 AM