Grand opening celebration for new playground at Fruit Valley Park on Aug. 16

A child-size bird nest sparks imagination around the Play Like a Bird theme. Photo courtesy city of Vancouver

The playground honors the memory of Elizabeth Austin, a passionate advocate for inclusive spaces and a mother of twin boys with whom she joyfully visited every playground in the area

VANCOUVER – The city will celebrate the grand opening of the Elizabeth Austin Playground at Fruit Valley Park (3200 Fruit Valley Rd.) at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 16, marking the debut of a fully-inclusive play space built in honor of community leader, educator and mother, Elizabeth Austin.

Made possible by a $1.2 million gift from the Kuni Foundation, the new playground is a destination where children of all abilities can thrive together through play. The celebration will begin with a ribbon-cutting at 6:30 p.m. featuring Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle, followed by games, activities, food vendors and a community movie night showing of The Wild Robot at 8:45 p.m.

A communication board at the Elizabeth Austin Playground. Photo courtesy city of Vancouver

“This playground was shaped by the community, and every detail —whether it’s the bird-themed play features or the safe, welcoming layout — reflects what families told us they needed,” said Terry Snyder, Parks Development manager. “Inclusive playgrounds remove barriers, inviting everyone to play, explore and belong. That’s exactly what this space is all about.”

Elizabeth Austin. Photo courtesy city of Vancouver

This is the third inclusive playground opened by the city in the last five years, with another at Oakbrook Community Park, under construction and expected to open this fall. Adding to the diversity of play spaces across Vancouver, the Elizabeth Austin Playground is the first fully-fenced playground in the city, created to offer a secure and supportive space for children who benefit from a defined boundary.

The playground honors the memory of Elizabeth Austin, a passionate advocate for inclusive spaces and a mother of twin boys with whom she joyfully visited every playground in the area. Before her passing from cancer in 2021, Elizabeth dedicated her energy to education, philanthropy and community connection.

“We wanted to celebrate Elizabeth’s incredible heart, her joy, and her vision for a more inclusive world,” said Angela Hult, president of the Kuni Foundation. “She believed in creating spaces where every child could belong, and this playground reflects her legacy and the Foundation’s commitment to community inclusion. We’re profoundly grateful to the city of Vancouver for their collaborative approach and incredible support of this project.”

The event is free and open to all. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs.