ZAP - The Zonta Accessible Playground
This innovative, barrier-free play space invites people of
all ages and abilities to play and explore together, in a
public park. Find
us on a map. Designed as "A River of the
Senses" its many 'islands' offer distinct play
areas that stimulate the senses … including touch, scent,
sight and hearing.. Here's a sampling of highlights:
- Adventure Island,
sponsored by the Police Retirees of Ontario, Inc., provides
numerous gross motor play opportunities (including swings),
is fully wheelchair accessible, and is surrounded by rubberized
play surfacing, looking like a beach with a few waves washing
ashore!
 Sound
Island features hanging & hammer chime
panels each measuring approximately 3m wide x 2.5m high;
turn the nose on 'talking Bobs' to record then play back
your own voice in an altered state; twist the vertical poles
to create interesting sounds too. Most of the equipment
in this area has been custom manufactured for this playground.
- Touch Island
is the place to explore the mosaic wall, Braille play panels,
move a marble through a maze, feel the surface below your
feet, play at the flower-shaped elevated sand & water
tables, use the diggers in the sand pit, and pump water
to flow along the trough! Maybe even make some mud!
- Imagination Island
has a wonderful stage … just the right place to do
impromptu performances for admiring audiences!
- Scent Island
is planted with lots of wonderful 'smelly stuff' to explore
with your nose and you don't even need to bend down! Sniff
the centre of the big bold 'flowers' and figure out that
scent; enjoy the huge butterfly sculptures.
- Sight Island
is the place to try out the 'human sundial'; admire the
patterns of light and shadow cast by the arbours & vines
on the textured pathway; enjoy the wood sculptures and trees.
Look for some birdhouses too!
- Mother Nature's Island
is a naturalized area, planted with native plant species,
which will mature into an interesting home for lots of critters!
- Circle of Friends
is in the centre of it all, a place to sit and count your
blessings, watch the fun, and recognize the many donors
who have helped bring our vision to life.
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