By securing project funding through donations from our community, local businesses, service clubs, grants and organizations, the OSNS has made critical improvements to our existing 3-5 playground and therapy space.
INVESTING IN THE WELLBEING OF CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES
A PLAYGROUND IN NEED
The Kinder Bear 3-5-year-old playground space was in need of significant repair. The wood playground structure was extremely weathered and needed to be replaced by a structure that allowed for wheelchair accessibility. There were drainage issues, uneven spots and areas covered with grass that made it difficult to maintain, causing mobility hazards for some children. With essential funding there is now artificial turf, blended with resilient surfaces that offer fewer hazards to children with walkers and / or wheel chairs.
OUR VISION
To have a universally designed, sensory-rich environment that enables all children to develop physically,
socially and emotionally.
An engaging place that provides a level of challenge and offers opportunity to succeed.
A well-designed place that addresses varied levels of ability.
A place that goes beyond minimum accessibility to create play experiences that meet a variety of needs and interests.
PHASE ONE OF HOLLAND'S WISHLIST IS COMPLETE!
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An accessible, nature inspired play space for children with mobility, sensory, hearing and visual disabilities.
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Elevated sand table that is wheelchair accessible.
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Smooth, even, resilient surface and ramp that allows access of play to and from our 3-5 yr old daycare to our pre-school outdoor space.
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A play structure that is wheelchair accessible.
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Additional outdoor bench seating.
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A climbing structure.
On November 12, our 3 to 5 daycare children enjoyed the upgraded playground for the very first time. Their excitement highlighted how meaningful this space is and how vital your contributions have been in creating a place where children can play, connect, and feel a sense of belonging.
While the main playground construction is complete, we continue to enhance the space with features that support all children. One exciting addition will be an accessible basket swing, designed to provide inclusive play and shared experiences for children of varying abilities. This swing was identified by our Access for Success Parent Voice Committee as the top priority for expanding accessibility in the playground. It will be installed with a resilient surface, making it easier to navigate for children and adults with mobility support needs.
Basket swings offer many developmental and therapeutic benefits. The spacious, supportive seat allows children with limited mobility or muscle weakness to swing comfortably, sitting or lying down if needed. The swinging motion promotes sensory integration, vestibular development, balance, and coordination, while also supporting emotional regulation, helping children manage stress and improve focus.
Beyond the physical benefits, the swing encourages social interaction, cooperative play, and turn-taking, helping children develop empathy and a sense of belonging. By introducing this swing, a previously underutilized area of the playground will become an accessible, engaging space for children and adults of all abilities.
The basket swing will be integrated into our ECE, Early Intervention, and AIP programs, extending clinical care through play and supporting individualized developmental goals for each child. It is a meaningful step toward an extended inclusive play environment where every child can learn, grow, and play together.
ENHANCING OUR PLAYGROUND WITH AN ACCESSIBLE BASKET SWING
HOLLAND
Born nine weeks pre-mature and later diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Holland has been a part of the OSNS family since the age of 5 weeks. It is our hope that Holland and children like Holland who have a motor disability, can have improved accessibility to inclusive play components and safer access to all of our outdoor play and therapy spaces.
HELP US RAISE 31K TO FINISH OUR PLAYGROUND
JOIN OUR PARTNERS IN PLAYING IT FORWARD
Summerland Health Care Auxiliary
Penticton Hospital Auxiliary
Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF)