The Ontario Trillium Foundation has awarded Parkwood Estate with a grant of $130,800 to assist the Foundation in improving the accessibility of its grounds and mansion.
Improving accessibility was identified by the Foundation’s Board of Directors as a priority so more visitors can enjoy and learn from this unique Canadian museum. Visitors, patients, volunteers and staff of the R.S. McLaughlin Regional Cancer Centre and of Lakeridge Health Oshawa will particularly benefit from improved accessibility for respite and enjoyment just steps from the Hospital.
Improvements will begin immediately and will be accomplished within the year. The project includes wheelchair accessible limestone paths to link existing garden paths, a level viewing station and canopy near the Rose Garden, an accessible switch-back ramp to the Italian Garden, more benches throughout grounds beside accessible pathways, automatic door openers at the Gift Shop/Tour Entrance and Carriage House Meeting rooms, level viewing areas and access paths at the Tennis Court gardens, and signage throughout the grounds indicating which paths and washrooms are accessible.
Pictured above, from left to right are: Scott Pigden from the Oshawa Accessibility Advisory Committee; Margaret Booth, Director of Development for Parkwood Estate; Sharon Swain, President of the Parkwood Foundation, Devon Biddle, Board Director for Parkwood Estate, Brian Malcolm, Executive Director of Parkwood Estate; Jerry Ouellette, MPP Oshawa; David Marven from the Oshawa Accessibility Advisory Committee and Muttakumaru Chandrakumardan of the Ontario Trillium Foundation
