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㽶ƵֱThank you from the bottom of my heart㽶Ƶֱ: Julia㽶Ƶֱs Junction opens in West Kelowna

The playground is an accessible and inclusive space for children of all abilities
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Melissa Grassmick presents Julia㽶Ƶֱs Junction, and inclusive playground for children of all abilities, during a grand opening ceremony at Westbank Centre Park in West Kelowna on July 31, 2023. (Gary Barnes/Capital News)

With an enthusiastic 㽶Ƶֱwe did it㽶Ƶֱ, Melissa Grassmick opened Julia㽶Ƶֱs 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.

㽶ƵֱMost of you know that I began this journey with my daughter Julia as my inspiration,㽶Ƶֱ an emotional Grassmick told the cheering crowd gathered for event. 㽶ƵֱNot 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.㽶Ƶֱ

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

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.

㽶ƵֱFrom the smallest in-kind contribution to the largest donor, who made it possible for so many kids to play here for years to come,㽶Ƶֱ said Mayor Gord Milsom.

Grassmick also thanked all those who supported and donated to Julia㽶Ƶֱs Junction, as well as the PURKIDS Charitable Foundation which secured a $100,000 grant for the project.

In turn, PURKIDS CEO April Marten thanked the Grassmick㽶Ƶֱs for their tireless efforts.

㽶ƵֱThank 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.㽶Ƶֱ

Play structures and equipment at Julia㽶Ƶֱs Junction are installed at ground level to avoid using ramps so that all children have access and can play together.

Julia㽶Ƶֱs Junction is located in Westbank Centre Park at 2569 May Street in West Kelowna.

READ MORE: Kelowna㽶Ƶֱs Rock The Lake strums up support to fight B.C. wildfire crisis



gary.barnes@kelownacapnews.com

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About the Author: Gary Barnes

Journalist and broadcaster for three decades.
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