Amidst the middle of an ordinary subdivision in the heart of Thorold rests a playground far from ordinary. To the average eye, the playground — equipped with swings, slides and several play stations — would seem just that: a typical playground.

But to any child with a physical disability, this playground represents the opportunity to do what every other child at a playground does: play-barrier and care-free.

When a Thorold resident realized her son wasn't able to enjoy any of the local playgrounds because of his mobility difficulties, she decided to do something about it. Lobbying both city council and the community in 2006, she fought for an accessible playground. Just over a year later, city council granted her wish.

With ramps, a special swing, slides with gentle slopes and a soft ground, the new accessible playground means kids get to just be kids, regardless of their abilities.

Since its construction, the park has received great reviews and lots of use from the people in the community. On any given day, kids with and without disabilities can be found enjoying everything this playground has to offer. And that means parents with and without disabilities get to enjoy this playground with their children as well.

"Our park provides a fully integrated structure," said Mike Sauchuk, Operations Manager with the City of Thorold. "The kids play together and the challenges that some kids have soon become invisible."