New Playground in North Bay Honors Jack Lyons, Benefits Children

A new playground in North Bay, Ontario, has been established to honor the memory of Jack Lyons, a 17-year-old who had autism and was a regular patient at One Kids Place. This sensory-friendly playground is designed to be accessible for all children, particularly those with disabilities. The project features eleven new elements added to the existing playground, enhancing the facility’s focus on rehabilitation and support for children in need.

Mark Lyons, Jack’s father, expressed gratitude for the new playground. He highlighted the importance of having local resources for families who often travel long distances for care. “Running here on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and spending time with people that cared; and we weren’t sitting in the car, we weren’t driving to Toronto. It’s so important for our families,” he stated. Lyons noted that approximately 27,000 appointments are handled at One Kids Place each year, with statistics indicating that 1 in 66 children are diagnosed with autism.

Community Effort to Support Children with Autism

The newly named Jack Lyons Playground specifically caters to children with autism and sensory challenges. Katharine Strang, a representative from the development department at One Kids Place, emphasized its uniqueness in the region: “It’s the first of its kind in North Bay, and it’s very specific to children with autism and sensory challenges, so it’s very special.” Strang highlighted the playground as a vital space for children to either relax or engage in stimulating activities.

This initiative has been a community-driven effort, reflecting the collective commitment to supporting families facing similar challenges. Lyons hopes the playground will leave a lasting impact on children and their families in the area. He remarked, “The paramount is what we have now for our kids with autism. It speaks mountains about our community stepping up and supporting this all the way through.”

After a lengthy planning process that began during the pandemic, the completion of the playground has brought immense pride to Lyons. “I love it. I’m dying with pride,” he shared. He recalled how Jack often expressed his joy, saying, “best day ever.” For Lyons, the opening of this playground truly embodies that sentiment.

The Jack Lyons Playground not only serves as a tribute to a beloved community member but also stands as a beacon of hope and support for families navigating the complexities of autism.