https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrcv3nyEiCQ

Imagine a playground where no child has to sit on the sidelines and feel left out because of a disability. With your help, we can make this dream a reality with the construction of "Sacha's Park" - a place where children of all abilities can play together.

Community Development Project Laura Backland Meghan Cavanagh Sydney Collard

About sachas park The park, is being built in memory of Sacha Chenier, an 11 year old boy who lived in L'Orignal, Ontario. During his lifetime, Sacha was unable to play in most parks as they were not wheelchair accessible. It's a playground for everybody. By building a universal designed playground we are not creating a playground for children with disabilities, but rather one where all the equipment works for everyone. It is a play environment specifically created to be accessible to all children including those with disabilities. Sacha's Park will be located in Champlain Township (near L'Orignal), Ontario, Canada.

Sacha Chenier He was severely affected by cerebral palsy due to a lack of oxygen at birth and required the use of a wheelchair for most of his life. His birth injury also left him blind, epileptic, and with severe cognitive delays. Sacha required assistance for his daily care, as he was unable to do the most basic of tasks without help. He was lovingly cared for at home where he lived with his parents Jason and Jacquelyn and his older brother Sebastien. Despite his many challenges, Sacha was a happy little boy who loved to be around other children. He attended school in Hawkesbury at Ecole Paul VI where he was loved by his many friends. Sacha always had a smile on his face and his infectious laughter could brighten up a room. Sacha passed away suddenly on June 9th 2014 due to epilepsy related complications.

Why did we choose this family Heart-warming story They are dedicated to the cause Local community project Real people to relate to

The park • Accessible routes throughout the park including safe, spongy surfacing that ensure mobility for children/adults in wheelchairs and walkers and for those who experience difficulty on uneven surfacing. • Ramping systems, transfer stations, specialized seating, hand- holds, and climbing systems slanted to assist children climb and reach. • Themed design to spark imaginative play. • Swings including adaptive swings (high backs) for children with low muscle tone, toddler swings and swings designed to enable multiple children to swing together. • Spray, water splash play area to help everyone stay cool. • Sensory stimulating and interactive play stations that include harmonic musical elements. • Interactive panels including custom designed activity panels to promote problem solving and team building.

funding Sacha's family have pledged $75,000 towards the purchase of property in the new "Place La Seigneurie" development near L'Orignal. The whole project is guessed to need around $500,000 for construction. Sacha’s Park applied for the Aviva Community Fund grant, which is $100,000 towards a community project. The winners are announced December 2nd!

What we did to help Awareness in Ottawa, Montreal and surrounding areas. Meeting with the family and understanding what kind of help they want from us Meeting with Ottawa Children’s Treatment Center Emily Glossop, Ashley Killeen – Program Directors Meeting Montreal Children’s Hospital Tatiana Aparicio – Community Relations Officer Helped with a cake auction on Saturday, November 28th Hosting a “Thank you” breakfast for all volunteers

The Vankleek Hill Fair Board Christmas Party- cake auction!

Together we can make the dream of a place for all children to play a reality. Thank you!