REGINA — A swing. A slide. A place to laugh and belong.
For thousands of children and families in Regina, those simple joys are not always easy to access. Now the City of Regina is launching a new effort to change that.
The city has officially announced its Accessible Playground Grant Program, a new initiative designed to help non-profit organizations build or upgrade playgrounds that are open, inclusive and accessible to children of all abilities.
City officials say the program reflects a growing recognition that play spaces should be designed for everyone.
“Accessible playgrounds create spaces where users of all abilities can take part in safe, barrier-free play,” explained Diana Burton, Director of Recreation and Cultural Services with the City of Regina. “This new grant program reflects the city’s commitment to improving accessibility by supporting community partners in creating inclusive outdoor spaces.”
Why the program matters
The need is clear.
Regina currently has more than 150 neighbourhood playgrounds across the city, but only a small number meet full accessibility standards. That means many children who use mobility devices or have other disabilities can struggle to fully participate in playground activities.
City leaders and accessibility advocates have been pushing for change in recent years.
Ward 5 councillor Sarah Turnbull, who has championed improved accessibility at city hall, has often pointed out that roughly 20 to 30 per cent of the population lives with some form of disability.
Yet historically, accessible playgrounds represented only a small fraction of Regina’s parks.
“There are complete zones in this city that do not have an accessible playground,” Turnbull previously stated while advocating for stronger accessibility standards.
For families navigating mobility challenges, those gaps can make a simple afternoon at the park far more complicated.
A citywide push for inclusion
The new grant program is one piece of a broader plan to transform how Regina designs playgrounds.
In recent years the city adopted updated Accessible Playground Design Standards, which guide the design of both new and refurbished playgrounds in Regina parks.
Those standards focus on removing barriers and creating environments where children of all abilities can play side by side.
That can include:
- Smooth rubber or synthetic surfacing instead of loose wood fibre
- Wide pathways for wheelchairs and mobility devices
- Ramps and transfer platforms on play structures
- Sensory and ground-level play features
- Inclusive equipment designed for different physical abilities
The long-term goal is ambitious.
City planners ultimately want an accessible playground located within roughly 800 metres of most homes in Regina, ensuring families across the city can reach an inclusive play space close to their neighbourhood.
How the grant works
Through the new program, non-profit organizations can apply for funding to replace aging playgrounds or build new accessible ones that meet the city’s design standards.
Eligible projects can receive up to 30 per cent of total project costs, to a maximum of $80,000 per project.
The city has committed $160,000 in total funding for 2026, meaning multiple playground projects could receive support in the first year of the program.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be a registered non-profit organization in Regina
- Be incorporated for at least one year
- Demonstrate sound financial management
- Have at least 40 per cent of project funding already secured
- Ensure the playground is open for public use
Applications will be accepted until April 9, 2026 at 4 p.m., with successful applicants expected to complete construction and open their playgrounds to the public by June 1, 2028.
A Grant Review Committee will evaluate proposals and funding decisions are expected by late May.
Building playgrounds together
City officials say the program is designed not just to fund projects, but to empower communities.
Many playgrounds in Regina are built through partnerships between schools, community associations, charities and local donors. The new grant aims to support those grassroots efforts while ensuring accessibility is built into every project from the start.
To help organizations prepare strong applications, the city will host a virtual information session on March 12 where staff will explain eligibility requirements, funding limits and design standards.
For Burton, the goal is simple but powerful.
Every child deserves a place to play.
“Inclusive playgrounds create spaces where everyone can gather, learn and connect,” she said.
A future where every child can play
Across Regina, playgrounds are often the heart of a neighbourhood.
They are where friendships form, confidence grows and childhood memories begin.
The Accessible Playground Grant Program is a step toward making sure those spaces belong to everyone.
Because when playgrounds remove barriers, they do more than create better parks.
They create a more inclusive city.
For more information about the Accessible Playground Grant Program, including eligibility requirements and application materials, visit Regina.ca/Grants or contact Community Investments at CommunityInvestments@regina.ca or 306-777-7507.
