Island families invited to June 27 pancake breakfast supporting inclusive playground project

June 27 event in Langford aims to raise funds for accessible playground at Ruth King Elementary.

A playground is often the heart of a school community, but for some children, it can also be a place of barriers.

Parents at Ruth King Elementary School are hoping to change that through an ambitious campaign to build a playground designed with accessibility and inclusion at its core.

The effort will get another boost on June 27 when the Ruth King Elementary Parent Advisory Council hosts a free pancake breakfast and outdoor screening of The Wild Robot at The Langford Station, with donations accepted in support of the project.

“We wanted to make sure that we were able to create this playground at our school and make it as accessible as possible,” said Kelly-Jaymes Beck, fundraising co-ordinator for the Ruth King Elementary PAC.

Over the past 18 months, parents, volunteers and community supporters have been working toward a goal of raising approximately $380,000 for a playground that goes beyond traditional designs to better serve children of all abilities.

“Our goal is to come as close to 100 per cent accessibility as we can. Currently, I think we’re at about 80 per cent,” she said.

The vision includes traditional swings, accessible swings and a We-Go-Round carousel-style feature designed to allow children with varying mobility needs to play alongside their peers.

While many playgrounds include some accessible features, Beck said organizers wanted to create something more comprehensive.

The project is already beginning to take shape. Fundraising efforts have secured enough money for the first phase. Organizers are now focused on raising money for additional features and future phases of construction.

For Beck, the benefits extend well beyond the school grounds.

As Langford continues to grow, she said accessible outdoor spaces are becoming increasingly important places where children can learn, play and build connections with one another.

“Play is fundamental for any child’s success,” Beck said. “We need to give them opportunities to learn and play, develop motor skills and be physically active.”

She believes the playground will also strengthen the broader community by creating a gathering place for families and neighbours.

“Neighbours get to know one another, communities become stronger and safer, and everyone benefits,” Beck said.

The June 27 fundraiser has attracted support from across the community.

Save-On-Foods is donating the food, juice boxes and breakfast supplies, while the Langford Legion is providing grills to help volunteers cook what organizers hope will be hundreds of pancakes throughout the morning.

“We hope to give at least 600 people two pancakes,” Beck said.

Families are encouraged to come in pajamas, bring blankets or lawn chairs and enjoy the morning screening of The Wild Robot, which begins at 9 a.m.

Admission is free, with donations accepted in support of the accessible playground project.

“We feel very blessed that our community is backing us up with this project,” Beck said.

If organizers reach their goal, the result will be more than a playground.

It will be a place where more children can play, connect and belong.