Oshawa Children Celebrate the Opening of Their New Playground After Years of Absence

Children’s Joy is Restored in Oshawa

After nearly a decade without a playground, children at Maple Glen Housing Co-operative in Oshawa are finally able to enjoy a new playspace that reflects their creativity and dreams. On September 26, 2026, local children, supported by the dedicated efforts of Foresters Financial employees and KABOOM!, transformed their ideas into a reality, making this day a remarkable milestone in their community.

For the youngest residents of Maple Glen, this celebration is far more than just the opening of a playground; it’s a long-awaited return of a space designed specifically for them. The original equipment had been removed in 2017 due to safety concerns, leaving children without a safe place to gather and play nearby. The new playground, situated at 777 Wilson Road, is not just a physical structure, but a reestablishment of hope, community, and engagement for the children who live there and their families.

With the help of about 100 Foresters Financial employees and KABOOM!, volunteers worked tirelessly to turn bare ground into a vibrant playscape—filled with climbing walls, slides, and a ramped entry—all elements that children envisioned during the planning phase months prior. Initiatives like these highlight the profound impact that community-driven efforts can have on local neighborhoods, especially in reinvigorating spaces that foster engagement and connection among families.

Matt Berman, the President and CEO of Foresters Financial, articulated the significance of this playground by stating, "Every child deserves a place where they can feel free and form friendships. Creating spaces for children to play helps strengthen the surrounding communities. Today, we are proud to celebrate our 179th playground." His words underline the importance of providing safe environments for children, which allow them to thrive and develop bonds with their peers.

As echoes of laughter fill the air, Laura Reid, Vice President of Maple Glen, recalls the years of children's complaints about boredom and lack of play options. Yet, the transformation did not happen overnight. The process involved gathering feedback from the kids themselves, who sketched their dream playground, providing valuable insights that were woven into the final design. This kind of participatory design empowers children, allowing them to feel ownership and pride in their new communal space.

Foresters Financial, recognizing its significant role in promoting community wellbeing, continues to demonstrate its commitment beyond its core financial services. Building playgrounds stands testament to their resolve in fostering happier communities where health and social connections flourish. In collaboration with groups like KABOOM!, they are addressing the growing concerns around childhood play deprivation, especially in urban settings where these spaces are often lacking.

KABOOM!, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending playspace inequity, has been at the forefront of these projects for over 30 years. Lysa Ratliff, KABOOM!'s CEO, emphasized the need for communities to unite and provide children with the physical, mental, and social benefits associated with play. "Playgrounds are an iconic part of childhood...we’re proud to partner with Foresters Financial to create a playspace that reflects not just the environment but also the dreams of the children," she asserted.

The newly completed playspace is set to serve not just the 50 children residing in Maple Glen but also provides a safe haven for more than 500 others living within a nearby 15-minute walk. This gathering place has been instrumental in rekindling community spirit, as it offers opportunities for connections and interactions among families, reminding everyone of the unity needed to cultivate strong neighborhoods.

Over the years, Maple Glen's community initiatives, including outdoor movie nights and youth-focused programs, have aimed to enhance the lives of its residents, particularly children. The playground promises to be a focal point for future activities and gatherings, encouraging even more families to come together.

In a world where child play options are frequently limited, the opening of the Maple Glen playground stands as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the power of community engagement. The children of Oshawa can now enjoy a safe space for fun, imagination, and memories that will last a lifetime. Thanks to partnerships like that of Foresters Financial and KABOOM!, the dreams of the children are indeed becoming a tangible reality, and what once was missing is now restored—a true community triumph.