Shown, front left to right, Battlefords MLA Jeremy Cockrill, youth Kashton, North Battleford Mayor David Gillan and Doug Drover (Battlefords ECIP and Living Sky School Division) at the new Liberty Swing launch Monday. (Submitted photo/City of North Battleford)

By Angela Brown

Accessibility Matters

Wheelchair accessible Liberty Swing now added to natural playground in NB

Jul 27, 2021 | 2:11 PM

North Battleford is now a little more accessible for people with mobility challenges.

The Battlefords Early Childhood Intervention Program (ECIP) in partnership with the City of North Battleford officially launched the new wheelchair accessible Liberty Swing at the Natural Play Space playground in Centennial Park in North Battleford Monday.

Battlefords ECIP Executive Director Colleen Sabraw said the main focal point of the Liberty Swing is that accessibility matters, which also reflects the play space as a whole.

“I think that is important because we have a Mommy-and-Me swing; we have regular swings that are there; and now we have the Liberty Swing,” she said. “So anybody can come to that park now and swing.”

A view of the new Liberty Swing structure. (Submitted photo/City of North Battleford)

LEST WE FORGET

'They fought for our freedom': N.B. paints commemorative crosswalks ahead of Remembrance Day

9h ago

Best in Business

Annette's School of Dance takes home top BBEX award

10h ago

SJHL/MJHL Hockey

Western All-Star Showcase wrap up, WJAC coaches announced

14h ago

Also among those who took part in yesterday’s opening ceremony were Battlefords MLA Jeremy Cockrill, youth Kashton, North Battleford Mayor David Gillan, Doug Drover (Battlefords ECIP and Living Sky School Division), Michelle Rideout (Light of Christ Catholic School Division), and Battlefords Trade and Education Centre (BTEC) executive director Mona Leece.

Sabraw said it was moving to see the smiles on people’s faces having a chance to enjoy a swing ride, some for the first time in their lives, during the launch.

“To see somebody who has never been able to swing on a swing, and have that opportunity was very emotional for all of us,” she said. “A young man in his 40s was able to swing on that wheelchair-swing for the first time. The excitement in his face was just unbelievable.”

Also during the launch a boy, age 12 or 13 years old, in a wheelchair, was able to use the Liberty Swing with help from his mother who pushed him.

His family were all there to see his excitement.

“What’s really neat about it is you don’t have to be in a wheelchair in order to swing on it,” Sabraw said.

Since the device also has a seat available as an option, people can use the swing if they have mobility issues – for example, those who can still walk independently but have difficulty maintaining their balance.

“Primarily it is for a wheelchair but it can be used for other individuals who struggle with sitting on a regular swing seat,” Sabraw said.

Battlefords ECIP purchased the Liberty Swing for about $28,000 in 2020 for the Natural Play Space, which is a partnership program between ECIP and the city. ECIP covered the almost $25,000 cost for the full install, while the city provided in-kind labour of $2,500 from the city parks department.

City parks manager Gordon Whitton oversaw the installation.

“It feels really good to have something like that in the city,” Whitton said. “There is nothing else like that around here. We’re grateful to have an organization like ECIP that raises money for [these projects].”

People are asked to contact Battlefords ECIP for access to the Liberty Swing and for instructions on how to properly use it. The structure will remain locked at the park when not in use, for safety reasons.

–

Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow