What we’re hearing from the east end of McKenzie Avenue

Manzo Park at 682 McKenzie Ave. has been flagged as a possible location for Sault Ste. Marie's second sensory playground.

Seven years after our first sensory playground was established at Bellevue Park, city council agreed this week to look into building a second one at Manzo Park or another municipal park in the west end.

A sensory playground is designed to encourage exploration of senses.

The existing Rotary Club of Sault Ste. Marie Adventure Playground at Bellevue Park includes things like outdoor musical instruments, designs and shapes intended to enhance tactile sensations, and a ‘cozy dome’ cave that allows over-stimulated children to have a more subdued playing space.

"Enhanced accessible play options eliminate barriers to play, provide sensory stimulation and promote family bonding," says the city's description of the Bellevue Park sensory playground, which incorporates features involving climbing, pulling, balance, hanging and imagination.

"Since its opening, the sensory playground has been heavily used and thoroughly enjoyed by children and families," said a resolution presented by Ward 5 Couns. Corey Gardi and Matthew Scott.

"The City of Sault Ste. Marie should aim to provide equitable access to amenities and services in different parts of the community, especially as they relate to families and children," the councillors said, adding that "many communities of Sault Ste. Marie’s size have more than one sensory playground."

"We need more amenities and things for families to do in the west end," Gardi told this week's city council meeting.

"I think if you have a family member or a friend who has a developmental need and would benefit from the sensory playground in any way, Bellevue Park is a long way to travel for a lot of families," Gardi said.

"If anyone's been to the splash pad of Manzo Park, it's very well attended. It's fantastic," said Scott. "I think having additional opportunities for things such as a sensory playground in the west end will absolutely be used and enjoyed almost immediately."

"As someone who's part of the accessibility committee, has a neurodiverse kid and is president of the Autism Ontario board of directors, I really want to thank the fact that both of you brought this forward," said Ward 2 Coun. Lisa Vezeau-Allen. "Accessibility and access in equitable spaces is really important."