Why we are building Marydale Park

Universal accessibility or barrier-free design is more than having designated wheelchair parking spaces or a ramp for wheelchairs. It's about approaching the entire design - from the green spaces and play areas, to the indoor program areas and facilities - from the perspective of ensuring independent use by anyone, regardless of ability.

We are building Marydale Park for the entire community because we truly believe that every child deserves to play. 

• Marydale Park will be accessible to the 91,000* men, women and children in our community who have some type of health condition or problem that limits the kind or amount of activities they can do. (*2001Census data)

• Marydale Park will be a place for safe, outdoor rehabilitation, in a true wilderness environment, for people who are recovering from an injury. The faster people are able to recover, the quicker they’re able to return to the workforce and continue contributing to our economy.

• Marydale Park will be a community resource to health organizations that provide rehabilitation reserves to their clients, such as AbleLiving and Community Living Hamilton.

• While children will benefit most from the park, people of any age - including those who use wheelchairs, scooters or walkers - can fully and independently enjoy the park’s amenities.

• Marydale Park facilities will allow the C.Y.O. to once again offer a wilderness setting for young campers of all social, economic, cultural and religious backgrounds, and of all abilities.  Almost 20 per cent of Hamilton’s population live in households with incomes below the poverty line (2001 census data).

• Marydale Park will allow the C.Y.O. to expand its existing “One-to-One” program for children with special needs.  Since 1972, Camp Marydale has been integrating these special campers, ages 6 to 13 years old, into our mainstream camping programs.  Our unique “One-to-One” program offers short-term respite care by ensuring that a dedicated counsellor to provide assisted care while they participate in our C.Y.O. camping programs.

• Marydale Park will meet and exceed the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act that will be mandatory for private businesses and non profit agencies in 2012.

• Marydale Park will be a model of excellence and will inspire other communities (across the province and country) to build similar outdoor facilities to support people of all abilities.