Communities advance recreational improvements with support from Columbia Basin Trust

Children thrive when they have places to play, explore and connect.

Five communities are enhancing accessibility in their recreational spaces to ensure more children, and their families, can take part in local activities. These improvements, supported by Columbia Basin Trust, build on upgrades completed by 25 communities earlier in 2025.

“Many residents enjoy the Columbia Basin because they value healthy, active lifestyles, and this extends to their children, to whom play is essential to development,” said Hannah Holden, Senior Manager, Delivery of Benefits, Columbia Basin Trust. “We’re supporting communities—particularly small and rural ones—as they make their indoor and outdoor recreational spaces more inclusive and welcoming.”

Projects may include specialized equipment for public pools, tactile signage on trails, or upgraded playground structures designed for children with diverse abilities. The current five communities are receiving over $287,000 from the Trust. In spring 2025, another 25 communities received nearly $1.2 million.

Here are two recent projects. See the full list below.

Waldo Cove Regional Park: Good times at the beach for all

Sandy beaches and a boat launch make Waldo Cove Regional Park a great location for a family day at Lake Koocanusa. While people using mobility aids can already access the outhouse and parking area, the beach and water has been difficult to get to. Starting in 2026, the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) will install a 250-foot beach mat to create a stable path over the dirt and sand.

“Enhancing access to the formal beach area will improve recreational opportunities for children with diverse abilities,” said Jamie Davies, RDEK Environmental Services Manager. “This will support families in coming together to enjoy community spaces.”

Warfield: A play place for everyone

Behind Warfield Community Hall, the playground is already a family favourite—and will soon be even more accessible. The Village of Warfield is replacing the engineered wood-fibre surface with poured-in-place rubber and creating level pathways without curbs or transitions to ensure barrier-free access for wheelchairs, walkers and strollers. It is also updating play equipment to support sensory, physical and social play, including accessible swings.

“The project will transform the site into a modern, barrier-free, inclusive space where children with and without disabilities can play together,” said David Perehudoff, village Chief Administrative Officer/Chief Financial Officer. “It will serve as both a neighbourhood hub and a regional destination, encouraging physical activity, imaginative play and social inclusion.”

Columbia Basin Trust supports the efforts of the people in the Columbia Basin. To learn more about the Trust’s programs and initiatives, and how it helps deliver social, economic and environmental benefits to the Basin, visit ourtrust.org or call 1-800-505-8998.

Lead image: The Regional District of East Kootenay is helping make Waldo Cove Regional Park more accessible, inclusive and welcoming for children and their families with support from Columbia Basin Trust. Columbia Basin Trust photos

Columbia Basin Trust

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