Location: map
Address: Thirsk St NW & Kovitz Ln NW
Parking: free street parking
Gordie’s Review (10 years old): “I really like how it is accessible for everyone. I also like the double swings. It was just a generally good playground.”
Nicky’s Review (7 years old): “I liked the web and the swings and the slides.”
Robbie’s Review (4 years old): “The swings and the slides!”
Age Range: 2-12.
Ground cover: pour-in-place recycled tire
Features: Climber with roller slide, web climber, slides, ramps, sway fun. Space shuttle toddler climber. Rocket ship climber. Double swings – one baby, one accessible. Accessible spinner. Saucer swing.
Surrounding park area: Located in the new University District close to the Alberta Children’s Hospital. Sunken grassy area with steps. Outdoor giant chess board, outdoor ping pong table.
Accessibility: This playground strives for both accessibility and inclusiveness using Playcore’s 7 Principles for inclusive design:
- Accessible to children with mobility challenges
- Inclusive of those with diverse physical abilities
- Easy to understand, enabling participation and success
- Enabling every child to participate at his or her own level
- Providing both safety and challenge
- Supporting varying degrees of participation
- Providing comfort for all levels of motor control.
To support this goal, the playground includes things like: accessible flooring, a ramp system, an accessible double swing and spinner, tactile and musical features, a saucer swing, a sway fun rocker and a roller slide.
Shade: the nearby trees are young but the shade should improve over time.
Seating: cement wall seating, steps and a few benches.
Overall assessment:
The new Northwest Commons Park at the University District, strives to be a park for everyone. Not only does it place a strong emphasis on accessibility and inclusiveness, it also provides park space for multi-generational enjoyment with a nearby dog run, attractive green space and outdoor ping pong table.
Ramp System
The ramp system is extensive with activity panels, spots to turn around and access to the sway fun and other features.
swing, spin and bounces
There are a number of different options for swinging, spinning and bouncing including a saucer swing, accessible spinner, wheel chair accessible sway fun rocker and these two double swings.
Tactile
Few playgrounds consider the sense of touch as a component of its design. This playground has equipment with interesting textures and a roller slide.
This playground is definitely worth a visit.