With an enthusiastic 鈥榳e did it鈥�, Melissa Grassmick opened Julia鈥檚 Junction in West 琉璃神社 on Monday (July 31).
The playground, located at Westbank Centre Park, is an accessible and inclusive space for children of all abilities.
鈥淢ost of you know that I began this journey with my daughter Julia as my inspiration,鈥� an emotional Grassmick told the cheering crowd gathered for event. 鈥淣ot only were there no accessible parks for her to visit, I soon realized there were many other kids who struggled to find a park to play at. Thank you all so much from the bottom of my heart.鈥�
Julia suffered a spinal cord injury caused by a blood clot at 17 months old.
The grand opening of Julia鈥檚 Junction, an inclusive playground for children of all ages, was held in West 琉璃神社 in July 31. 鈦︹仼
鈥� Gary Barnes (@GaryBarnes109)
The Grassmick family raised the majority of the funds for the $900,000 project. The City of West 琉璃神社 contributed $200,000 and the park space and the federal government provided $120,000.
Other contributions came from sponsors and community donations.
鈥淔rom the smallest in-kind contribution to the largest donor, who made it possible for so many kids to play here for years to come,鈥� said Mayor Gord Milsom.
Grassmick also thanked all those who supported and donated to Julia鈥檚 Junction, as well as the PURKIDS Charitable Foundation which secured a $100,000 grant for the project.
鈥淭hank you from the bottom of my heart.鈥� Melissa Grassmick and daughter Julia attend the grand opening of Julia鈥檚 Junction in West 琉璃神社. 鈦︹仼
鈥� Gary Barnes (@GaryBarnes109)
In turn, PURKIDS CEO April Marten thanked the Grassmick鈥檚 for their tireless efforts.
鈥淭hank you for sharing your story, for allowing us to learn from your experiences and for inviting us to work with you to bring this dream to life.鈥�
Play structures and equipment at Julia鈥檚 Junction are installed at ground level to avoid using ramps so that all children have access and can play together.
Julia鈥檚 Junction is located in Westbank Centre Park at 2569 May Street in West 琉璃神社.
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gary.barnes@kelownacapnews.com
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