Infrastructure Investments
At Jumpstart, we are committed to creating more inclusive places for all kids to play. Through a focused investment in inclusive play infrastructure, we’ve worked with communities across Canada to increase access to play and sport designed to remove barriers, foster belonging, and increase access to play and sport at the neighbourhood level.
Since 2017, we have brought more than 50 inclusive playgrounds, play spaces and multi-sport courts across the country. These projects were made possible through strong partnerships with local communities and the incredible support of Canadian Tire store owners, whose leadership and engagement have been central to the success of this work.
As this chapter of large‑scale infrastructure building comes to a close, we are evolving how we support community play infrastructure. Exploring ways to better integrate future projects into our broader granting approach, while continuing to steward the spaces already built and the partnerships that helped bring them to life.
By shifting our role over time, Jumpstart aims to increase its capacity to respond to growing and diverse community needs, support local leadership, and ensure the long‑term impact of the inclusive play spaces created across Canada.
Jumpstart Inclusive Playgrounds
We design Jumpstart Inclusive Playgrounds to be universally accessible — ensuring kids of all abilities can take part in the magic of play. From double‑wide ramps to static‑free slides, these thoughtful spaces create opportunities for children with physical, sensory, and cognitive disabilities to play alongside their peers.
Features
Barrier-Free Access
All Jumpstart Playgrounds are designed with barrier-free access from pathway to surfacing and surfacing to the play structure. The smooth, non-slip surface provides a safe play space that is easy to move around whether you are walking or wheeling. The ramps on the playground structure are twice as wide as those on a traditional playground, ensuring those using mobility devices can move past each other and roll side-by-side. There is enough room to change direction so all the play elements are easily accessible.
Roller Slides
Slides are a staple in most playgrounds, however, this slide is quite special! It is made up of individual rollers that are wide enough for kids to slide alongside their friends, encouraging cooperation and development of social skills. The slide eliminates static electricity so kids with cochlear implants can safely slide without fear of static electricity discharging into their implant - a concern on common plastic slides. The transfer bench at the bottom of the slide allows children to slide with their peers and easily transfer themselves from the slide to a mobility device.
We-Go-Round
The We-Go-Round is a merry-go-round where everyone can spin! The seamless transition between the surfacing and equipment provides kids using mobility devices barrier-free access to the fun. The We-Go-Round can be spun from the outside or inside using the centre post, ensuring everyone can contribute to the spinning. The design encourages social play so that kids can cooperate as riders and pushers to create an experience that is fun and inclusive of everyone.
Sway Fun Glider
The Sway Fun Glider is one of many thoughtfully designed elements of these playgrounds that make them accessible to all. Focused on motion play, it provides a social gathering point where children can play cooperatively and rest if they need to. There are no barriers to accessing the equipment, ensuring those using mobility devices can join in on the fun. Children can work together to make the Sway Fun move, and the table placement enables those using mobility devices to actively participate.
Jumpstart Inclusive Multi Sport Courts
Our Inclusive Multi Sport Courts support both organized sport and casual play for kids of all abilities.
Each court is uniquely designed to reflect local needs, providing year-round opportunities for activities such as basketball, ball hockey, and adaptive sport.
Use the inclusive play space map to find a Jumpstart Inclusive Multi Sport Court near you.
Multi-Sport Court Features
Barrier-Free Access
Jumpstart Inclusive Multi Sport Courts feature a pour-in-place cushioned surfacing, ensuring barrier-free access to the space and a comfortable surface to play on. Gate entrances are twice as wide as standard courts and are designed to enable easy access for those with limited hand/grip function.
All seating areas are easily accessible for those using mobility devices and many feature shading structures to provide a comfortable place to rest.
Enahnced Visibility and Wayfinding
The courts and casual play areas feature high-contrast colours with white lines which support those with limited vision. Professional LED overhead court lights provide ample lighting for increased visibility.
Accessible and Standard Sport Options
The courts and casual play areas feature high-contrast colours with white lines which support those with limited vision. Professional LED overhead court lights provide ample lighting for increased visibility.
Inclusive Baseball Fields
Inclusive Baseball Fields create opportunities for every kid to get in the game. They feature rubberized surfacing, high‑contrast colours, and accessible dugouts designed to support players using mobility devices.
Beyond the field itself, accessible seating, restrooms, clear pathways, and quiet/rest areas ensure families and players can fully participate and enjoy the experience. The first fields in Canada are located in Whitby, Ontario and Windsor, Ontario.
Para Hockey Ice Rinks
In our Para Hockey Ice Rinks, designed for players of all abilities, the ice, benches and change areas are at the same grade so athletes using mobility devices can move freely.
Deeper benches and penalty boxes accommodate sled access, while plexi‑glass boards help remove physical barriers and support connections between players on and off the ice. The rink design also allows for multi‑use programming outside of the winter season.
The first such rink is located in Winnipeg.