June 2021

Edmonton Catholic Schools is paving the way to more inclusive school yards. The Division is installing accessible pathways, connecting the schools to playgrounds.

“An inclusive playground isn’t truly inclusive if you can’t get to it,” said John Fiacco, Superintendent of Educational Planning. “These new pathways ensure all our students and community can easily access and enjoy the playground.”

St. Maria Goretti is the latest school in ECSD to have an accessible pathway installed, running from the school doors right to the playground equipment. The pathway is stencilled with colourful artwork to promote numeracy, literacy, and more opportunities for play. 

“The playground is one of our best classrooms, and this new pathway is just an extension of it,” said Antonella Molella, Principal at St. Maria Goretti. “Outdoor play is so important. On top of emotional well-being and building physical literacy, our students are developing social skills, creativity, and problem-solving.” 

The accessible pathway is made from a product partially comprised of recycled shredded tires. It has a similar lifespan to a concrete sidewalk.

“Edmonton Catholic Schools believes all children have the right to play. We are aiming to have all our playgrounds inclusive and accessible by 2030,” shared Doris Paquette, Planning Manager with Edmonton Catholic Schools. 

Edmonton Catholic School’s commitment to accessible pathways means that all children can have equitable access to different spaces and places in their outside environments. Some

“Supporting, anticipating, and valuing diversity is so important as we challenge ourselves to reduce barriers that may impede learning opportunities and environments for our students,” said Corine Gannon, Superintendent of Learning Services. “Children may be mobile with a wheelchair or a walker, or have difficulty moving, and creating pathways to and from the school and the playground enable children to be able to get to these spaces that otherwise would not be possible.”

Over the summer, accessible pathways will be installed at J.H. Picard, Our Lady of Victories, St. Anne, St. Leo, John Paul I, St. Gerard, St. Alphonsus, Father Leo Green, and H.E. Beriault. The costs of the pathways are covered by the Edmonton Catholic Schools Playground Initiative Fund.