Ted Harrison Inclusive Playground

The origin of the Ted Harrison Inclusive Playground starts in late 2020. When the Parents Association of Ted Harrison School (PATHS) teamed up with the Parks Foundation of Calgary, they sought out to create a playground where all children would feel included. The result would become an Unlimited Play gold certified playground – the first of its kind in Canada!

Much like our playground at the Vivo Recreation Centre, Ted Harrison features a multitude of inclusive activities. This is largely due to the PIP rubber surfacing, which provides access to ground-level events like our Surface Spinner. In addition, a series of ramps allows children in wheelchairs to reach the very top of the play structure.

Ted Harrison also features several elements of “risky play.” For example, our Silo Scramble includes multiple paths to the top, while our Grand Strand offers endless climbing patterns. An assortment of climbers, including our Trail Climber and Infinity High Climb, provide a challenging entry to the structure. All in all, there’s plenty of options for fun!

Sensory play is another big part of this playground. From the tactile sensation of our Roller Slide, to the gentle swaying of our Together Glider, no sense is left untouched. Scattered throughout the park are a variety of activity panels. Most notably, this includes our Melody Maker and Simon Says panels, which both promote cooperative play.

Finally, no trip would be complete without mentioning Ted Harrison’s lively colours. Bright oranges and vibrant teals all add to the playground’s island feel. This is amplified even further by the Palm Tree post toppers and tropical Thatch Roofs. When you put it all together, it really makes you feel like you’re on a relaxing vacation!