The City of Grande Prairie is proud to announce the upcoming construction of a Jumpstart Inclusive Playground at Lions Park, made possible through a Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities (Jumpstart) gift and support from the City.
Jumpstart Inclusive Playgrounds are designed to remove physical and social barriers to play, ensuring children of all abilities can enjoy shared spaces. With features like double-wide ramps, roller slides, the We-Go-Round and the Sway Fun Glider, these thoughtfully designed play areas promote active, imaginative and inclusive play.
This meaningful investment creates a vibrant, accessible space for children and families in the heart of Grande Prairie. The City’s contribution to the project aligns with Council’s strategic priorities by supporting inclusive recreation and enhancing the quality of life for all residents.
The new playground encourages active living, strengthens social connections and offers a welcoming environment where every child feels a sense of belonging. By investing in projects like this, the City continues to build a community that values equity, connection and meaningful experiences for people of all abilities.
The City also recognizes the contributions of local Canadian Tire Dealers David Dungey and Lisa Miller, who have been key champions of the project. Their generous funding support and advocacy efforts helped secure Lions Park as one of the latest Jumpstart Inclusive Playground locations in Canada.
“We are incredibly grateful to Jumpstart for helping bring this playground to Grande Prairie,” says City of Grande Prairie Mayor, Jackie Clayton. “It is going to be a vibrant, joyful place where children of all abilities can come together to play, make memories and feel like they belong. This project reflects our vision of a community that values inclusion, connection and quality of life for everyone."
“At Jumpstart, we are committed to supporting community partners to develop safe and inclusive play spaces for kids of all abilities,” said Brad Ellard, Community Operations Lead & Relationship Manager, Alberta, Jumpstart. “Together with the City of Grande Prairie and local Canadian Tire Dealers, we are proud to have played a part in bringing this Inclusive Play Project to life as we continue to build strong community ties through the power of sport and play.”
“It has been our pleasure to work collaboratively with Jumpstart Charities and the City to bring our vision for an inclusive play space for the children of Grande Prairie to fruition,” said David Dungey and Lisa Miller, Dealers, Canadian Tire. “The power and joy of play for children of all abilities provides a lasting legacy we are both proud to provide for our community.”
Construction timeline and park impacts
To safely complete the project, the existing Lions Park playground may close as early as July 4 to accommodate site preparation, while the adjacent splash park remains open until construction begins on July 7. Both areas will be closed for the duration of the summer.
The City thanks residents for their patience and understanding as we enhance accessibility and create a space designed for all to enjoy.
To help ensure continued access to outdoor fun, the Muskoseepi Park splash park is operating with extended hours throughout the summer.
To stay up to date on the project, visit cityofgp.com/playgrounds or contact AccessGP at 311 or info@cityofgp.com.