St. Gabriel's Accessible Playground Project: A Community Coming Together

The Friends of St. Gabriel Society is a volunteer-led group applying on behalf of St. Gabriel Catholic School, home to the Centre for Diverse Learning (CFDL). Together with partners and supporters, we are replacing the school’s aging, inaccessible playground with a safe, inclusive play space that welcomes every child, regardless of ability.

The current playground, built in the 1990s, was not designed for accessibility and is nearing the end of its lifespan. Its sand base excludes students who use mobility aids, including the majority of those at St. Gabriel, and its deteriorating wooden structures are unsafe. For many children, it is as though no playground exists at all. This project will change that reality by creating a fully accessible space designed for diverse needs while encouraging active play, social connection, and belonging.

What makes this project unique is that it will be built through a volunteer-supported model that brings together families, community members, professionals, and companies from across Edmonton. Industry experts are donating design and installation guidance, while others will provide materials, labour, and on-the-ground support. This collective effort not only reduces costs so that more funds go directly to accessible surfacing and equipment, but also creates something even more powerful: a playground built by many hands, for the benefit of all.

The new playground will be open year-round, benefitting not only St. Gabriel students but also siblings, caregivers, and families from the surrounding communities of Fulton, Goldbar, and Capilano. As the Edmonton Catholic School Division has committed to making all of its playgrounds accessible by 2030, this project represents the final step in achieving that important goal. It will stand as a visible symbol of inclusion and hope, and will be used and cherished daily for decades to come.

With the support of the Field Law Community Fund, the Friends of St. Gabriel Society will ensure this vision becomes reality, giving every child the chance to play, grow, and belong.

The new playground at St. Gabriel will benefit a wide range of children, families, and community members. At its core, the project will directly serve the students of St. Gabriel Catholic School, many of whom attend the Centre for Diverse Learning (CDFL). These students face complex medical, developmental, and behavioural challenges, and for most, the existing playground is completely inaccessible. By creating a barrier-free, safe, and inclusive play space, we are ensuring that children who have historically been excluded from play finally have a place to belong.

The benefits extend far beyond the school itself. The project has been developed in consultation with school staff, families, and the broader community to make certain it reflects the needs of all who will use it. Surrounding neighbourhoods such as Fulton, Gold Bar, and Capilano will be served by this new space, providing thousands of families with access to a free, year-round recreational hub. These communities represent a diverse population, including families who face financial barriers to paid recreation and who will now have access to an inclusive space that is open to everyone.

Importantly, the playground will also welcome families from across Edmonton. The CDFL draws children with significant needs from all parts of the city, meaning this space will be a resource not only for the immediate neighbourhood, but for families who travel long distances to find safe and accessible places for their children. With Edmonton’s population now exceeding 1.5 million and continuing to grow, the demand for inclusive and accessible recreation options is greater than ever.

While children are the most obvious beneficiaries, their caregivers, siblings, and neighbours will also gain from this project. A thoughtfully designed playground becomes more than a play structure: it is a gathering space, a site for social connection, and a visible demonstration of a community’s commitment to equity. This project will foster belonging, strengthen neighbourhood ties, and provide a lasting resource that improves quality of life for all who use it.