The City of Mount Pearl unveiled a new smart and accessible playground next to St. David's Park last week. In addition to a variety of playground equipment with improved accessibility, it also includes gender neutral washrooms with improved lighting and an adjustable change table. The playground’s smart technology is meant to "inspire imaginative play" and track usage. The project received funding from the federal government. Melanie Mullaley's Grade 4 and 5 class from Morris Academy were invited to the event and made good use of the playground’s structures. "Our commitment always is going to be to offer inclusivity and innovation," said Mayor Dave Aker. "When it comes to accessibility, that journey is not just beginning today. It began a while ago and it will continue for a long time." On hand for the opening were, starting in the back row, from left: councillors Isabelle Fry, Bill Antle, Jim Locke, Mayor Dave Aker, Mount Pearl North MHA Lucy Stoyles, and Melanie Mullaley. In the third row, from left are: Isaac Lidstone, Jaden Situ, Jaxon Greene, Karina Savchenko; in the second row, from left: Kenzie Peddle, Faith Costello, Dasha Kindrat, Luke Crocker, Gabrielle Matchim, and Emma Butt; and in the front row, from left: Ayla Thornton-Horvath, Ella Drover, Mackenzie Whalen, Marcus Giangrande, Thomas Legge, Abel Rockwood, and Madison Marshall. Chad Feehan Photo.
