CV Child Development Association opens new playgroud-parking lot

Wednesday, February 22, 2012 - 3:23 PM
By Marc Mulvaney
Courtenay

Official ceremonies have been held to celebrate the grand opening of the Comox Valley Child Development Association's new Accessible Parking and Play Project on Third Street in downtown Courtenay.

"For the first time in 10 years, at this location, we're going to have accessible, safe, off-street parking for familes and visitors who come to our facility, and we now have an accessible outdoor play area for the children who are receiving services here," explained Comox Valley Child Development Association Executive Director Lorraine Aitken.

Aitken says this project will really make a difference for family members taking children with special needs to their Courtenay office.

"It's huge for families who are coming here, they now don't have to circle the block to find a safe place to park, or dodge traffic, and for people who are wheelchair users, or those who have other access challenges, they now have a safe and accessible parking area."

Vancouver Island North MP John Duncan says $66,742 in funding from the The Federal Enabling Accessibility Program was secured for the project.

"This is all about accessibility for people with disabilies and this is a fund we are very proud of," said Duncan, adding the federal program has proven to be very successful.

"We put it in place in 2008 for two years and then extended it for three years," enthused Duncan in pulling the ribbon to officially open the facility.

Four-year-old Owen Crumpler helped Duncan with the 'ribbon pulling,' from his wheelchair.

"This will mean a huge difference for us," said Owen's mother Karena Crumpler. "We have actually been having home visits for the past couple of years, with one of the reasons being that it just isn't easy getting here, sometimes taking a half-hour to find a parking spot."

Various community leaders were on hand for the grand opening celebration, including local business leaders and municipal politicians.
 

 

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