In Poplar Hill, a community initiative led by the Poplar Hill and District Lions Club is making strides towards inclusivity in play. The club has embarked on a fundraising mission to install a wheelchair-accessible swing in the local park, a project inspired by the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing standard playground equipment.Olivia McIntosh, a 17-year-old from Ilderton, Ontario, who is wheelchair-bound due to cerebral palsy and global developmental delays, epitomizes the need for such facilities. Despite her age, Olivia’s cognitive development is akin to that of a two-year-old, and her desire to swing like other children is hindered by her physical limitations. Her mother, Ashley McIntosh, highlights the often overlooked needs of older children with disabilities, emphasizing that “our little ones still want to play.”The idea for the wheelchair-accessible swing was sparked by a poignant scene witnessed by Rick Castle, a member of the Lions Club. He saw a grandparent struggling to lift their grandchild into a standard swing, which led to the realization that there must be a better way to include everyone in the joy of swinging.The fundraising efforts have been significant, with the club raising $15,000 from bottle and can returns alone, although the goal is ambitious, with a total of over $80,000 needed. The club has also set up a GoFundMe page to widen their reach for support.The impact of such a swing would be profound, not only for children like Olivia but also for adults with disabilities. Leslie-Anne Steeper-Doxtator, another local resident, shared her experiences of attending events where her daughter, Katherine Doxtator, could only watch others play. A wheelchair-accessible swing would allow Katherine and many others to actively participate, enhancing their social and recreational experiences.Currently, there are only three such swings in southwestern Ontario, located in Barrie, Toronto, and Brantford, making the addition in Poplar Hill not only a local asset but a potential regional attraction. Castle notes that the park could become a destination for family gatherings, drawing people from as far as Windsor and Sarnia.This initiative not only promises to bring joy and freedom to those with mobility challenges but also stands to transform Poplar Hill Park into a hub for inclusive family activities, fostering community spirit and understanding.