Every community in BC deserves safe, inclusive spaces where people of all ages and abilities can play, learn, and connect. Projects like this become a reality when community members come together. Through the TSBC Community Grant Program, old BC tires are transformed into recycled, durable, and accessible surfaces that enhance public spaces across the province.

One of this year’s inspiring recipients is the REACH Child and Youth Development Society and their Access2Play project in North Delta. This initiative transformed an aging playground into a vibrant, accessible space designed to bring children, youth, families, and neighbours together.

A Playground That Welcomes Everyone

North Delta is one of the most culturally diverse and fast-growing areas of the city, home to more than half of Delta’s population. Many families in this community face financial, cultural, or language barriers when accessing programs and services for their children. The Access2Play project responds directly to these needs.

The new playground serves:

• Children from three nearby preschools, including the REACH North Delta Developmental Preschool, which supports children with disabilities and complex needs
• Families visiting the North Delta Recreation Centre
• Local residents all year round, as the space is open to the public at all times

Inside the recreation centre, REACH provides developmental preschool programming, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and child development support, serving up to 60 families at once. Many of the children supported by REACH use walkers, wheelchairs, or other mobility aids, making accessible outdoor play especially important.

Transforming the Space for Greater Accessibility

The previous playground supported roughly 18 children at a time within a footprint of 1,188 square feet, with only limited accessibility. The new design increases the play space nearly threefold, expanding to approximately 3,484 square feet and accommodating up to 54 children.

This expansion means:

• More room for group play and family gatherings
• Improved accessibility for individuals using walkers or wheelchairs
• A wider variety of sensory-rich play features

Related: How BC Residents Are Giving Their Old Tires A New Life

The Impact of Recycled Rubber Surfacing

TSBC supported this project by providing funding for a pour-in-place rubber surface, made possible through the recycling of 766 BC scrap tires in the province.

Rubber surfacing provides:

• A smooth, stable surface for mobility devices
• A safer place to land during play
• A durable, low-maintenance material that withstands year-round weather
• A comfortable and inclusive experience for people of all ages

It also demonstrates how recycled BC tires can be transformed into long-lasting community assets. Tires dropped off by residents at tire shops, dealerships, and retailers across the province are collected by haulers and transported to Delta, where Liberty Tire Recycling processes them. From there, the rubber is recycled and transformed into new, useful products, including accessible rubber surfacing like this.

The TSBC Community Grant Program supports projects like Access2Play because of the lasting benefits they bring to BC residents.