New playground at Children's Aid Society officially opens

By Katrina Geenevasen

Len Kennedy(left) of Hastings Children's Aid Society and Martin Queen of Quinte Children's Services cut the ribbon to officially open the new playground at at the Hastings Children’s Aid Society. Photo by Katrina Geenevasen.

It’s time to play at the Hastings Children’s Aid Society.

Thursday marked the official grand opening of a new, state-of-the-art playground that will let children have outdoor access visits with their parents.

The new playground, which is located on CAS property, is the final stage of the building redevelopment program that has been ongoing for over six years.

Len Kennedy, executive director of the Hastings Children’s Aid Society, said CAS clients will benefit from the new play structure in many ways.

“This will provide a fair weather place for children in foster care to have outdoor time with the parents. It promotes the physical development of kids and socialization with other kids, all in a space that designed especially for them.”

Kennedy said the playground will make family visits more of a “rounded” event.

“We think its important for us to offer modern, up-to-date facilities that children can take advantage of, and promote a positive environment for interactions between children and families. This is the kind of space that we think will do that for many years to come.”

A variety of community members and local businesses contributed to the $75,000 cost of the play structure .

But to CAS, it’s money well spent.

“I hope everyone agrees with me that it’s bright and colourful and represents the kind of place where we want our children to be able to come and spend many hours.”

Martin Queen was at the opening of the new equipment on behalf of the Quinte Children’s Foundation.

He praised the new equipment and what it means for children receiving support from CAS.

“The Quinte Children’s Foundation feels that this playground is a fantastic addition to the CAS property. The foundation believes in the power of play. We want to help ensure the children who are receiving services from CAS can enjoy the time that they spend with their family.”

The Quinte Children’s Foundation said last year alone, nearly 3,000 children in the region suffered from some form of child abuse or neglect, and more than 340 children or youths were admitted to the care of the CAS.