l’École communautaire Le Tremplin

Since 2015, as part of an entrepreneurial project, students from the École Le Tremplin school have been working on a major initiative to convert their schoolyard into an eco-educational park located in downtown Tracadie. The Barrier Buster grant will help make the green space accessible for the entire community.

1. Why did you decide to break down barriers in your community?

   Over the past five years, the École Le Tremplin school has placed an increased emphasis on inclusive education. After hearing about the Barrier Buster grants, the school saw a tremendous opportunity to launch another entrepreneurial project with a fresh group of students. The plan is to develop the park as an educational and awareness tool, not only from an environmental standpoint, but in relation to accessibility.

2. How is this project going to make a difference in your community?

   Located in a schoolyard in the middle of the downtown core, the park will provide an inclusive place for all citizens, with or without mobility impairments, to relax and play outdoors. No other space in the regional municipality offers this opportunity. By placing the emphasis on education and awareness through strategies proposed by our architect and a student group, the park will make a difference by informing all park visitors about accessibility.

3. What’s the best thing about being a Barrier Buster?

   Involving youth from the school in the park accessibility initiative is very motivating. By making students accessibility leaders in our community, we increase not only their awareness, but that of other students, their families, and our citizens. Accessibility will remain a priority at the school, even after completion of the first phase made possible by RHF.

   Working together, the architect and students suggested making the park as accessible as possible, and also educational. There will be designated areas where various accessibility topics will be explained and demonstrated, using signs and visual landmarks. Anyone visiting the park will have the opportunity to become educated and aware about accessibility.