CAMPBELL RIVER, B.C. — The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) has completed accessibility improvements at Mitlenatch Park in Electoral Area D, introducing inclusive playground equipment, paved pathways and environmentally sustainable surfacing designed to improve recreational opportunities for children and families of all abilities.
The upgrades were officially celebrated during a community ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 23, 2026, highlighting the regional district’s investment in accessible public infrastructure and community recreation.
The project forms part of the SRD’s broader efforts to modernize aging park facilities while addressing accessibility barriers and supporting inclusive outdoor spaces.
New Accessible Playground Equipment Improves Recreational Opportunities
The Mitlenatch Park improvement project introduced two pieces of accessible playground equipment intended to accommodate children with different physical abilities and mobility requirements.
The installations include an All-Around Spinner, an inclusive alternative to a traditional merry-go-round, and a We Rock, an accessible version of a conventional teeter-totter.
Both additions are designed to provide more opportunities for children with diverse abilities to participate in playground activities alongside their peers.
Beyond the equipment installations, the project included paving the pathway connecting the park entrance to the playground, improving access for families using wheelchairs, strollers and other mobility devices.
The playground also received accessible surfacing manufactured from recycled British Columbia tires, combining accessibility improvements with the reuse of existing materials.
These enhancements are intended to reduce physical barriers and create a safer, more welcoming recreational environment for residents and visitors.
Infrastructure Renewal Supports Long-Term Community Accessibility
The accessibility improvements originated through the Strathcona Regional District’s ongoing parks maintenance and infrastructure replacement program.
As existing playground equipment approached the end of its operational lifespan, regional district staff identified an opportunity to incorporate accessibility improvements rather than simply replacing outdated structures.
The decision aligned with the Regional Board’s broader objectives concerning accessibility, inclusion and community well-being.
“Rather than simply replacing aging playground equipment, we saw an opportunity to make meaningful improvements that will benefit the entire community for years to come,” said John Rice, Electoral Area D Director. “This project demonstrates how thoughtful planning and investment in existing infrastructure can help create public spaces that are more accessible, inclusive and welcoming for everyone.”
The project illustrates how municipal and regional infrastructure renewal programs can incorporate accessibility considerations into existing capital maintenance activities.
Regional District and Tire Stewardship BC Support Improvements
Financial contributions from the Strathcona Regional District and Tire Stewardship BC supported the playground improvements.
Tire Stewardship BC administers a grant program supporting community projects that incorporate recycled tires collected in British Columbia.
The use of recycled rubber playground surfacing demonstrates how infrastructure improvements can incorporate recycled materials while addressing recreational accessibility requirements.
The regional district did not disclose the project’s total cost or the individual financial contributions in its announcement.
Community Leaders Highlight Importance of Inclusive Public Spaces
Regional accessibility representatives emphasized that inclusive playgrounds contribute to broader community participation by providing shared recreational opportunities for children and families.
“Accessibility is about more than infrastructure. It is about ensuring everyone has opportunities to participate in community life,” said Susan Sinnott, Chair of the Strathcona Accessibility and Inclusion Advisory Committee. “Playgrounds are places where children build friendships, families connect and communities come together. These improvements help make those experiences more accessible to everyone.”
The October 23 ribbon-cutting ceremony brought community representatives together to recognize the project’s completion.
The event included a welcome and blessing delivered by James Quatell of Wei Wai Kum First Nation, acknowledging the significance of the occasion.
Investment Strengthens Accessible Recreation in Electoral Area D
The completed improvements represent a further step toward making public recreational facilities more inclusive across Electoral Area D.
By combining accessible equipment, improved pedestrian connections and recycled playground materials, the SRD has incorporated accessibility and environmental considerations into an existing community asset.
The project also provides an example of how regional governments can use scheduled infrastructure replacement programs to deliver additional community benefits.
Residents seeking further information about the completed improvements can visit the Strathcona Regional District’s official Mitlenatch Park Accessibility Upgrades project page.
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