You Belong Here
You can create joy and belonging for people of all ages and abilities in Mississippi Mills.
Let’s go to the playground!
Which one?
This decision should be simple. But for many families, in Mississippi Mills and surrounding areas, going to the playground is riddled with barriers. Because:
- playgrounds and outdoor spaces are not designed for their needs.
- playgrounds often lack options for families with diverse physical and developmental
- abilities, including;
- those who use mobility devices like wheelchairs or walkers,
- children who benefit from sensory friendly environments, or
- grandparents who need places to rest and stay connected while spending time together.
Families want to spend quality time together. Too often, the public spaces available don’t make that possible.
1 in 4 Ontarians live with a disability
Families in Mississippi Mills currently travel between 2 and 4 hours to access an inclusive playground
There are fewer than 20 accessible playgrounds in all of Ontario
The Almonte Civitan Accessible Playground will bring accessible play closer to home. Every element has been designed so families can spend time together, with no member left on the sidelines.
Our vision is to build an accessible playground that will support social connection, physical activity and well-being across generations.
Every element of the new Almonte Civitan Accessible Playground has been selected with accessibility in mind. The playground will have accessible walking paths, shaded seating areas, sensory play features, and spaces for both active and quiet play.
It’s a space for outdoor peer to peer play in a safe environment, where joy and fun are the highlights of the day.
Every element has been selected to remove barriers so families, caregivers, grandparents, and neighbours can play together.
Accessible and inclusive play features
- Poured-in-place rubber surfacing that allows wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers to move smoothly while also exceeding national fall-safety standards
- Ramps from to the highest platforms so wheelchair users, caregivers, and family members can reach the same spaces as the people they are supporting
- Transition platforms, supportive handholds, and specialized seating that make moving between play elements easier and safer
- Roller slides designed to be compatible for people wearing cochlear implants and other assistive devices
- Inclusive swing seats and a multi-user Generation Swing that allow parents, caregivers, and friends to swing together
- A level walking path loop surrounding the playground that supports gentle movement for all ages and abilities
- Musical play features that encourage creativity and connection across generations, including meaningful engagement for seniors living with dementia as well as children exploring sound and rhythm
Safety and accessibility for all ages and abilities
- Open sightlines that allow caregivers to maintain connection while still supporting independence and exploration
- Fencing that provides peace of mind for families supporting children or adults who may wander
- Contrasting colours and visual cues to support visitors with visual impairments
- A dedicated on-site parking area and smooth routes designed to support easy arrival and departure
Spaces for community connection and comfort
- Benches, wheelchair accessible picnic tables, and board game tables that create space for conversation, rest, and community connection
- Quiet retreat areas designed for visitors who may become overstimulated and need to recharge
- Covered picnic area to protect visitors from the sun and heat
“The Almonte Civitan Club owns a large property in Mississippi Mills with a building that is in constant use by the club and our community. They also own soccer fields, which have been used by many over the years. An accessible playground, bringing together all ages and abilities, will be a wonderful complement to their property and to our community.
Another safe and welcoming recreational space for children and their families to play in would be a positive contribution to Mississippi Mills.”
– Mayor Christa Lowry, Municipality of Mississippi Mills
Will you join us to build an accessible playground for our community?
Together, we can create a space where no child is left on the sidelines, where families enjoy a day outside, and older adults remain active and connected to their community.
Your investment in the Almonte Civitan Accessible Playground ensures our community has a place to play; leading to healthier, happier and more connected lives.
Interested in giving a Leadership Gift?
Interested in making a larger contribution to the Civitan Almonte Accessible Playground?
Let’s chat about the possibilities, leading gifts come with opportunities including naming and dedications.
The Almonte Civitan Accessible Playground is being shaped through collaboration with partners and supporters who share a vision for a more inclusive Mississippi Mills.
Frequently Asked Questions
I don’t have a disability, can I play here?
Yes! The Almonte Civitan Accessible Playground is built for peer to peer play for everyone, that means anyone with or without a disability. It is for all ages and abilities. We’re building a playground to make friendships, family outings, and community connection easier and closer to home.
Why is the playground on the Civitan grounds?
The Almonte Civitan Club is a volunteer service organization that has supported the Mississippi Mills community since 1972. Locally, the Club is best known as the steward of the Almonte Civitan Community Hall and surrounding soccer fields. Civitan members also regularly raise funds and support organizations, programs, and community initiatives throughout the region.
Civitan Clubs share a long-standing commitment to supporting people with developmental disabilities and creating more inclusive communities. The Almonte Civitan Accessible Playground is a natural extension of those values and the Civitan grounds offer the space needed to bring it to life, with the support of our community.
The playground will also complement the many activities already held on the property, including weddings, bingo nights, community gatherings, and soccer tournaments. Families attending these events will have a welcoming, accessible place where children of all abilities can play, get some fresh air, and burn off some energy.
When will construction begin?
We have the design, we have the land, and we’re currently fundraising to cover the costs of equipment and building. In spring 2027 we will break ground and start construction.
Who will maintain the playground and how?
The Almonte Civitan Club will maintain the playground and cover the ongoing maintenance costs.
Why will the playground cost $900,000?
Building a truly accessible playground requires specialized equipment designed so children of different ages and abilities can play together safely. Much of the equipment selected for the Almonte Civitan Accessible Playground must be ordered from the United States. We are sourcing as much of the materials from Canada as possible.
The total fundraising goal for the playground is $900,000. The Almonte Civitan Club has already committed $200,000 and is asking the community to help raise the remaining $700,000. You can view the selected playground equipment and sponsorship opportunities here.
Unfortunately, the longer we wait to move forward, the more likely equipment and construction costs are to rise. Delaying the project could increase the amount that needs to be raised while also postponing access to a space our community already needs. With the community’s support, we can reach our goal and break ground in spring 2027.