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Fruit Valley Neighborhood Park will receive a fully inclusive playground thanks to a generous $1 million donation from the Kuni Foundation. The new playground will honor the legacy of community leader and mother, Elizabeth Austin.
Increasing access to inclusive play spaces is a priority for Vancouver Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services, it is also one of the two funding priorities for the Kuni Foundation. Current CDC data indicates that one in four Americans (26%) have some type of disability. Most playgrounds incorporate basic ramps and a few wheelchair-accessible play options to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act’s 2010 playground rules. Those accommodations only address some mobility disabilities and still leave many members of our community on the sidelines.
In addition to making the park more inviting for people with disabilities, inclusive play environments also encourage strong physical, mental and social development in children who do not experience disability. The new playground at Fruit Valley Park will be a place where people of all ages and abilities can thrive together through play.
Stay connected to this project by entering your email address in the "Stay Informed" box in the upper right corner of this webpage.
Elizabeth Austin was a philanthropist, educator and community connector. As a mother of twin boys, she loved exploring Vancouver's parks and playgrounds with her sons. Together they visited every playground in the area.
Elizabeth championed inclusive spaces that were accessible to youth of all abilities and was engaged in this transformative work before the community lost her to cancer in 2021. Elizabeth thrived in the company of children and was known for her generosity, beautiful laugh and joy in bringing people together.
The new playground will be an enduring tribute to her warm, welcoming nature and love for creating community.
The Kuni Foundation believes in the power of human potential. Based in Vancouver, Washington, the Kuni Foundation invests in scientists advancing cancer research and advances inclusive opportunities for people experiencing intellectual and developmental disabilities, including employment, housing, education and the community’s beautiful outdoor spaces.
Since 2017, the Foundation has awarded more than $47 million to organizations throughout Oregon and Washington in service to its mission.
Fruit Valley Neighborhood Park (3200 Fruit Valley Rd.) is a six-acre park located in the Fruit Valley Neighborhood in west Vancouver. Fruit Valley is the largest neighborhood in the city by landmass, and the park serves more than 1,000 households.
A popular gathering spot for neighbors, Fruit Valley Park offers a beautiful natural environment that includes a playground, a sports court, a community garden and enough space to host large events like summer movies in the park.
The Fruit Valley Community Center is a small building in the park that was previously available for limited event rentals through the Fruit Valley Neighborhood Association and volunteers. The center is currently closed for rentals, as neighborhood association and volunteer capacity to operate the building has decreased. The City of Vancouver is exploring sustainable operation models and opportunities for the future of the Fruit Valley Community Center.
Fruit Valley Neighborhood Park will receive a fully inclusive playground thanks to a generous $1 million donation from the Kuni Foundation. The new playground will honor the legacy of community leader and mother, Elizabeth Austin.
Increasing access to inclusive play spaces is a priority for Vancouver Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services, it is also one of the two funding priorities for the Kuni Foundation. Current CDC data indicates that one in four Americans (26%) have some type of disability. Most playgrounds incorporate basic ramps and a few wheelchair-accessible play options to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act’s 2010 playground rules. Those accommodations only address some mobility disabilities and still leave many members of our community on the sidelines.
In addition to making the park more inviting for people with disabilities, inclusive play environments also encourage strong physical, mental and social development in children who do not experience disability. The new playground at Fruit Valley Park will be a place where people of all ages and abilities can thrive together through play.
Stay connected to this project by entering your email address in the "Stay Informed" box in the upper right corner of this webpage.
Elizabeth Austin was a philanthropist, educator and community connector. As a mother of twin boys, she loved exploring Vancouver's parks and playgrounds with her sons. Together they visited every playground in the area.
Elizabeth championed inclusive spaces that were accessible to youth of all abilities and was engaged in this transformative work before the community lost her to cancer in 2021. Elizabeth thrived in the company of children and was known for her generosity, beautiful laugh and joy in bringing people together.
The new playground will be an enduring tribute to her warm, welcoming nature and love for creating community.
The Kuni Foundation believes in the power of human potential. Based in Vancouver, Washington, the Kuni Foundation invests in scientists advancing cancer research and advances inclusive opportunities for people experiencing intellectual and developmental disabilities, including employment, housing, education and the community’s beautiful outdoor spaces.
Since 2017, the Foundation has awarded more than $47 million to organizations throughout Oregon and Washington in service to its mission.
Fruit Valley Neighborhood Park (3200 Fruit Valley Rd.) is a six-acre park located in the Fruit Valley Neighborhood in west Vancouver. Fruit Valley is the largest neighborhood in the city by landmass, and the park serves more than 1,000 households.
A popular gathering spot for neighbors, Fruit Valley Park offers a beautiful natural environment that includes a playground, a sports court, a community garden and enough space to host large events like summer movies in the park.
The Fruit Valley Community Center is a small building in the park that was previously available for limited event rentals through the Fruit Valley Neighborhood Association and volunteers. The center is currently closed for rentals, as neighborhood association and volunteer capacity to operate the building has decreased. The City of Vancouver is exploring sustainable operation models and opportunities for the future of the Fruit Valley Community Center.
Fruit Valley Park Playground has finished this stage
City staff and representatives from the Kuni Foundation will select a design firm for the project that has expertise in inclusive design.
Summer & Fall 2023 - Community Outreach
Fruit Valley Park Playground is currently at this stage
Fruit Valley neighbors will be invited to help shape the playground’s theme and amenities through a series of surveys and public meetings and events.
Early 2024 - Final Design Process
this is an upcoming stage for Fruit Valley Park Playground
City staff will work with the Fruit Valley neighborhood to select a final design for the playground. A master plan will be submitted to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission for approval.
2024 - Preparation, Permitting & Construction
this is an upcoming stage for Fruit Valley Park Playground
All the required documents and permits will be submitted, materials will be ordered. Construction may begin in later 2024 if materials and scheduling allows. The existing playground will remain open until construction begins.
2025 - Playground Reopening
this is an upcoming stage for Fruit Valley Park Playground
The community will gather with representatives from the City of Vancouver and the Kuni Foundation to celebrate the opening of the Elizabeth Austin Playground at Fruit Valley Neighborhood Park!
Elizabeth Austin was a philanthropist, educator and community connector. As a mother of twin boys, she loved exploring Vancouver's parks and playgrounds with her sons. Together they visited every playground in the area.
