Building Community Through Play: A Q&A With The Inclusive Play Project
At ABC Recreation, we believe that every child deserves a place to play, connect, and belong. The Inclusive Play Project (IPP) is a community-driven initiative in Kingston, Ontario, dedicated to creating a playground where children of all abilities can play together.
Seeing the need for inclusive spaces, Rachel Doornekamp and her team at the IPP set out on a fundraising journey that has not only rallied local support but has also sparked awareness around the importance of these play spaces. To date, the Inclusive Play Project has raised $1.3 million dollars to help bring their vision to life.
We spoke with Rachel about what inspired her to take on this incredible project and how her team successfully fundraised towards their goal!
Can you tell us about yourself and what inspired the Inclusive Play Project?
My name is Rachel Doornekamp, and I am a pediatric occupational therapist based in Kingston, ON. I’ve worked with children with complex special needs and their families for almost 15 years. One common theme I’ve seen again and again is a lack of accessible community spaces here in our city – including playgrounds.
What impact do you hope the playground will have for families within the community?
We are so excited for this playground to be built! Inclusivity was a major focus in the design. We wanted to create a space that is not only accessible but also inviting to everyone. This playground won’t just be for kids – it will also be for parents who use mobility aids or seniors who want to use the sensory equipment. Our goal was to make it a true community space where everyone can participate and play.
How did you get started with your fundraising efforts?
We quickly put together a small grant-writing team to explore different funding opportunities. The City of Kingston also helped with this since the park is being built on municipal property. I highly recommend using Grant Connect to get started. We also reached out to local service clubs like Kingston Rotary and Kinsmen, as they are well-connected with fundraising initiatives in our community.
What were some of your most successful fundraising initiatives?
We were so fortunate to receive funding from Canadian Tire Jumpstart, and we’re thrilled that the playground has been named in their honour! Most of our funding has come through community fundraisers, local donors who believe in our vision for Kingston, and support from associations like the Kingston Construction Association and local developers with ties to the neighbourhood where the park will be located.
How did you keep the momentum going to reach your goal?
A lot of persistence and community support! We have a wonderful marketing company – New Day Marketing – that volunteers their time to run our social media. Keeping donors and community members updated on our progress and showcasing specific pieces of equipment has been super helpful in maintaining momentum.
Did you face any challenges along the way? If so, how did you overcome them?
We created an amazing donor package filled with photos, personal stories, and examples of how the playground will impact the local community. Fundraising is about helping people understand the vision and the why behind the project.
How did you communicate your vision to engage potential donors and the community overall?
We created an amazing donor package filled with photos, personal stories, and examples of how the playground will impact the local community. Fundraising is about helping people understand the vision and the why behind the project.
What advice would you give to others who want to fundraise for a similar project?
Go for it! We started with just three people in a Facebook group wondering if we’d ever actually be able to raise the $1.5 million needed. Today, we’re sitting at just over $1.3 million with a start date of 2026. My advice is to form a committee of passionate, like-minded people, meet with your municipal representatives, and make a plan. It will take time, but you’ll be surprised at how your initiative grows – because you’re not just fundraising, you’re educating people about the importance of inclusive play and starting a movement for better play spaces in your community.
How has your experience been working with ABC Recreation?
ABC Recreation has been on our side and gone above and beyond from the very beginning. We went through so many versions of the design, and Shelley patiently walked us through it. ABC has also helped with marketing ideas and even supported some of our fundraisers. Our relationship with ABC feels like a partnership, not just a service. Their staff are fully invested in making sure projects like ours succeed.
The Inclusive Play Project is more than just creating an inclusive playground – it’s a testament to what can happen when a community comes together around a shared vision. We are so excited to be a part of this amazing endeavor and can’t wait to see the project come to life. Check out the Inclusive Play Project to learn more about the initiative and follow along on their Facebook page.
