With an enthusiastic sa国际传媒榳e did itsa国际传媒�, Melissa Grassmick opened Juliasa国际传媒檚 Junction in West Kelowna on Monday (July 31).

The playground, located at Westbank Centre Park, is an accessible and inclusive space for children of all abilities.

sa国际传媒淢ost of you know that I began this journey with my daughter Julia as my inspiration,sa国际传媒� an emotional Grassmick told the cheering crowd gathered for event. sa国际传媒淣ot only were there no accessible parks for her to visit, I soon realized there were many other kids who struggled to find a park to play at. Thank you all so much from the bottom of my heart.sa国际传媒�

Julia suffered a spinal cord injury caused by a blood clot at 17 months old.

The grand opening of Juliasa国际传媒檚 Junction, an inclusive playground for children of all ages, was held in West Kelowna in July 31. 鈦︹仼

sa国际传媒� Gary Barnes (@GaryBarnes109)

The Grassmick family raised the majority of the funds for the $900,000 project. The City of West Kelowna contributed $200,000 and the park space and the federal government provided $120,000.

Other contributions came from sponsors and community donations.

sa国际传媒淔rom the smallest in-kind contribution to the largest donor, who made it possible for so many kids to play here for years to come,sa国际传媒� said Mayor Gord Milsom.

Grassmick also thanked all those who supported and donated to Juliasa国际传媒檚 Junction, as well as the PURKIDS Charitable Foundation which secured a $100,000 grant for the project.

sa国际传媒淭hank you from the bottom of my heart.sa国际传媒� Melissa Grassmick and daughter Julia attend the grand opening of Juliasa国际传媒檚 Junction in West Kelowna. 鈦︹仼

sa国际传媒� Gary Barnes (@GaryBarnes109)

In turn, PURKIDS CEO April Marten thanked the Grassmicksa国际传媒檚 for their tireless efforts.

sa国际传媒淭hank you for sharing your story, for allowing us to learn from your experiences and for inviting us to work with you to bring this dream to life.sa国际传媒�

Play structures and equipment at Juliasa国际传媒檚 Junction are installed at ground level to avoid using ramps so that all children have access and can play together.

Juliasa国际传媒檚 Junction is located in Westbank Centre Park at 2569 May Street in West Kelowna.

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gary.barnes@kelownacapnews.com
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