Growing up in Calgary, I've always enjoyed spending time at my local community playground. However, not everyone shares this experience. There are people in our community who cannot participate in these simple joys because they face physical and mental challenges. Having witnessed this disparity firsthand, I feel compelled to advocate for change.

Currently, there are only 24 accessible parks in Calgary, accommodating a population where 24%—or roughly 257,600 people aged 15 and older—are reported to have a physical or mental disability. This is a significant portion of our community that is left out of enjoying recreational activities that many of us take for granted.

Accessible parks are not just about inclusion; they are essential for the health, well-being, and social integration of people with disabilities. The lack of accessible spaces not only marginalizes a substantial portion of our community but also denies them the basic right to public spaces that cater to all individuals irrespective of ability.

We are urging the City Council of Calgary to prioritize the creation and enhancement of more accessible parks and playgrounds. This can be achieved through budget allocations specifically for upgrading existing parks with inclusive equipment and facilities, as well as incorporating accessibility into the design of any new recreational area.

Having more inclusive parks will provide individuals with disabilities the opportunity to play, socialize, and engage in physical exercise, which are crucial parts of a healthy lifestyle. This is not just a quality of life improvement for them; it enriches our community as a whole.

Let's stand together for equality and accessibility. Sign this petition to ensure that our community is welcoming and inclusive for everyone.

Dear Calgary City Council, 

I am writing to you on behalf of the people of Calgary and the people who believe that this is an important cause. Calgary has only 24 parks and playgrounds for people with physical and mental disabilities. 24% of Calgary's population is people who have disabilities, which means there is roughly 1 playground for every 10,733 disabled people who are 15 and older. While there are more than 1,100 other playgrounds for people who are able-bodied. How is that fair?   

Why do people not get the same things as I do because of how they were born? They shouldn’t, they shouldn’t be treated differently. It doesn’t matter either that this isn’t what the intention was. In the end, people are still being robbed of the simple joys because the recreation needed to experience them wasn’t provided. 

So many kids deserve to live, learn, play, and work the same as everyone else in order to improve their physical, social, and management skills. You may imagine that they are getting the same treatment, but unfortunately, the reality is quite far from that.  

I grew up enjoying the playground by my house with my friends and family, and it is heartbreaking to think that someone doesn’t get to enjoy the same activities I did just because they can’t be provided. I have seen this with my own two eyes, felt it in my heart, and heard it over and over: it isn’t fair. Everyone deserves equal rights, after all, that is section fifteen of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. There are 10 federal ridings entirely within Calgary; there should be at least three accessible parks in each riding. 

It is important to be able to enjoy parks and playgrounds as well as get outside. Even just being outside is so important, for it provides vitamin D that helps to regulate our bodies, sleep better, and boost our overall mental well-being. Exercise is also important for our long-term health, both mentally and physically. By making more accessible parks, you are also providing a better future and increasing people's health one person at a time. 

I know for a fact that there are no inclusive parks in my community, and there is a girl on my street, sweet as honey, who doesn’t get the same experiences because she isn’t getting the same recreation as I am. Something has to happen so people like her can go to a park without having to leave the community. 

There are many parks in my community; in fact, there is even one less than a minute from my house. However, many parks are not designed with accessibility in mind, leaving many children with disabilities unable to enjoy these parks. I am urging you to make more playgrounds that allow all people to enjoy, regardless of their challenges.  

I hope you can consider this.