Joan Carr School (Edmonton, AB)

Joan Carr School in south Edmonton, which received a $250,000 government grant and raised the balance through fundraising, is home to an EPIC and fully accessible playground, completed in September 2023. Inspired by the state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly school building, the playground’s design follows the same innovative principles, creating a space unlike any other in the city.

The playground's unique layout features two tall slide towers connected by a rope bridge, leading to an impressive rope climber. Although compact, the playground maximizes fun and adventure, with carefully chosen colors that complement the stunning architecture of the new school.

In addition to the main structures, the playground offers a few exciting accessory pieces, including a small disc spinner—the first of its kind in Edmonton—and a variety of swings, including four standard swings and a saucer swing.

One standout feature is an interactive panel game that invites kids to ask a question and “find the answer in the stars” by spinning a dial to reveal a fun response. There’s also a height measurement tool for kids to track their growth. Access to the towers and slides is via panel climbers, which are easy for kids but provide a bit of a challenge for adults.

This playground is a vibrant and innovative addition to the community, providing both accessibility and fun in a thoughtfully designed space.

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Thanks to Jill from EdmontonPlaygrounds.net for the amazing photos and review.

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