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91ƵThank you from the bottom of my heart91Ƶ: Julia91Ƶs 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 Julia91Ƶs 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 91Ƶwe did it91Ƶ, Melissa Grassmick opened Julia91Ƶs 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.

91ƵMost of you know that I began this journey with my daughter Julia as my inspiration,91Ƶ an emotional Grassmick told the cheering crowd gathered for event. 91ƵNot 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.91Ƶ

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.

91ƵFrom the smallest in-kind contribution to the largest donor, who made it possible for so many kids to play here for years to come,91Ƶ said Mayor Gord Milsom.

Grassmick also thanked all those who supported and donated to Julia91Ƶs 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 Grassmick91Ƶs for their tireless efforts.

91ƵThank 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.91Ƶ

Play structures and equipment at Julia91Ƶs Junction are installed at ground level to avoid using ramps so that all children have access and can play together.

Julia91Ƶs Junction is located in Westbank Centre Park at 2569 May Street in West Kelowna.

READ MORE: Kelowna91Ƶs Rock The Lake strums up support to fight B.C. wildfire crisis



gary.barnes@kelownacapnews.com

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Gary Barnes

About the Author: Gary Barnes

Journalist and broadcaster for three decades.
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