Inclusive & Accessible Community Picnic Tables

The Signal Hill School Enhancement Society (SHSES) is requesting $7,000 to purchase and install two permanent, accessible picnic tables near the new “Mini” playground at Battalion Park School in Calgary. One table will be wheelchair accessible, accommodating a variety of mobility needs.

These tables will create a safe, welcoming space for children, families, and community members to gather — a much-needed feature identified in our 2025 school and community engagement surveys. When asked what features would enhance outdoor learning and play spaces, “places to sit together” ranked among the top three requests from both students and parents.

While the playground replacement project (planned for August 2026) focuses on modern, inclusive play equipment, accessible seating was beyond its current budget. Adding these picnic tables ensures that everyone — including children and adults with mobility limitations, caregivers, and grandparents — can comfortably participate in outdoor learning, play, and community life.

The location is widely used beyond the school day, including by before-and-after-school care programs, local daycares, and neighbourhood families. These tables will provide inclusive spaces for snack breaks, classroom lessons, or community events, strengthening connections between generations and fostering a sense of belonging.

This small but meaningful enhancement directly supports Field Law’s community priorities — promoting inclusion, education, accessibility, and positive public gathering spaces that encourage people to connect, rest, and recharge outdoors.

The Battalion Park School community includes more than 500 students and 50 staff members, and the playground is also used daily by local families, childcare programs, and residents of the Signal Hill and Discovery Ridge neighbourhoods. Based on 2021 City of Calgary census data, approximately 9,000 residents from the surrounding Signal Hill and Discovery Ridge communities live within easy access of the school grounds.

These accessible picnic tables will benefit a broad cross-section of the community — from students and teachers using the space for outdoor learning, to caregivers enjoying after-school playtime, to grandparents and community members seeking a comfortable place to rest or socialize.

Community feedback consistently emphasized the desire for inclusive gathering spaces where everyone feels welcome. Parents shared that while the new playground will meet many accessibility needs, additional seating would make the area more usable for people of all ages and abilities.

By investing in these tables, SHSES is creating a simple but powerful enhancement that strengthens community connection, supports inclusion, and encourages healthy outdoor time. The project aligns with Field Law’s focus on accessibility, education, and meaningful local impact.