A new swing in the Tilbury area is changing how some kids see the playground.
Tilbury Memorial Park is now home to a Jambette Swing, a piece of equipment that lets wheelchair users take their turn on the swing set.
The project was made possible with a partnership between the Tilbury Rotary Club, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, and generous donations from community groups.
“The Tilbury Rotary Club is committed to serving all residents in our community," said Tilbury Rotary Club Co-President Barry White. "This swing demonstrates our belief that every child deserves an opportunity to find joy with play, and we’re thrilled to have been able to work alongside the Municipality of Chatham-Kent and those who made generous donations to make this a reality."
The Jambette Wheelchair Accessible Swing, which is made in Canada, allows people who use a wheelchair, or those who require extra support, to enjoy the playground alongside friends and family.
“Recreational accessibility is not just important, it’s a necessity. Knowing that even one child gets to participate in activities with his/her peers is all the ‘needs assessment’ I require to support it,” said Ward 1 Councillor Lauren Anderson. “It was an honour to be at the grand opening of the swing."
In a release from the municipality, officials said more work is to be done to the park to create a paved path that leads directly to the swing, further enhancing the accessibility.
The swing features instructional material attached to the frame that provides the user with a step-by-step guide on operating the swing.
