Cambridge Special Olympian supports inclusive public play area

After city council approved the creation of an all-inclusive multi-sport court, Special Olympian, Barry Green from Cambridge, says he is excited to see the city getting on board in becoming more inclusive.

“It’s finally happening and I’m so glad to see it in Cambridge,” Green said.

“I think this is great idea, and well overdue. Right now, there really isn’t anywhere for those with disabilities to go play volleyball or pickleball or just shoot some hoops. At any other park, the hoops are too high, so they are not accessible for those in wheelchairs.”

The Canadian Tire Jumpstart program, which helps provide funding to create inclusive play for children of all abilities, has offered the city $500,000 to support the project.

This would provide accessible space for sports such as basketball, pickleball, sitting volleyball, tennis, volleyball, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair tennis.

Three possible locations are being considered for the all-accessible multi-sport court: Hespeler Optimist Park, Lions Can-Amera Park and Churchill Park.

“It’s about time we do something to be more inclusive. When I saw that this was in the works, it really touched me,” Green said.

Jumpstart will also provide for the inclusion of a variety of elements such as accessible tables, nets, fencing, and LED lighting.

“Having wheelchair accessible seating is great. Tables at parks are typically too low, so you can’t put a wheelchair underneath,” Green said.  

“I do hope they go ahead with all of the amenities because it would be so great to have a variety of options, and not limited to one sport.”

Green hopes the park will inspire and encourage those with disabilities and mobility issues to get out there and try a new sport.  

As a Special Olympian, Green says the park will be great for kids.

“It will help encourage them and they will not feel intimidated. They need to be supported and I think this park will do just that,” Green said.

Among his many achievements in the sport of bowling, Green competed at the 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Adu Dhabi.

He came home with a gold in doubles, a silver in teams, and placed sixth in singles.

Green developed meningitis when he was only 3-months-old, leaving him with a learning disability and damage to one eye.

“I started bowling with my peers about 20 years ago in Cambridge. I kept at it, and I went to provincials, nationals, and then I qualified for the worlds, which was very tough to do. That was my big accomplishment, especially when you have to travel by plane, 14 hours away,” Green said.

“It was an amazing experience.”

Over the years, Green said he practiced at King Pin Bowling Alley in Cambridge.  

“It’s the only bowling alley that’s really wheelchair accessible. The owners of King Pin have been so accommodating, especially when I was training for the World Games, they let me practice, no charge. I’m so thankful to them,” Green said.

Green hopes that with the new inclusive play area, children will have the same opportunities and a space, with no barriers.

“There are still places that are not wheelchair accessible. These areas need to be readily available and safe for those in wheelchairs,” Green said.

City staff will consult with the Accessibility Advisory Committee to undertake public engagement and recommend locations within city parks that could be enhanced with accessible amenities based on funding received through the Canadian Tire Jumpstart program.

“I look forward to giving community input,” Green said.

“As for the location, it’s important that transportation and accessibility are considered for those in wheelchairs.”

Due to the pandemic, bowling has been on hold for Green, but he says in September, he looks forward to getting started again with his team.

“I can’t wait. I love getting out and being with my team. For me, it really is about the camaraderie and cheering for my friends,” Green said.

City staff estimate that the decision will delay other city park projects including the Riverside Skateboard Park project until Spring 2023.

“Some people may be upset that other projects are being put back. But I say at least they have parks, and they can access them. For those with disabilities, what have we got? This is something for everyone one, for kids, for those in wheel chairs, for everyone, and people should be happy about that. That’s what we need, places that are accessible to everyone,” Green said.

“If this project does well, it would be great to see more in the city, maybe at another park. This could grow into something bigger.”