The BC Wildlife Park will be holding a fundraising event this Saturday, June 8, as it continues to work towards building a new nearly $1-million inclusive and accessible playground.

The family-friendly event will take place between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and it will feature numerous activities including a bouncy castle, a barbecue, face painting, raffles, and a sealed auction.

“This is about so much more than just a playground upgrade. Our goal is to create a special place that generations of families can be proud of,” BC Wildlife Park General Manager, Glenn Grant, said.

“We’ve ensured the park pathways and public spaces are accessible, and now it’s time to do the same for the playground. It’s an exciting project and we’re looking forward to getting the community involved.”

In addition to the regular admission, Grant says people can buy a wristband for $25 that will give them unlimited bouncy castle time, face painting, one hot dog, and one drink. People can also text “play” to 30333 to donate $20.

Grant says the plan includes the replacement of the existing gravel surface with a new rubber one that is easier for people with mobility issues to navigate. He also says while new equipment that people of all abilities will be able to enjoy will be added, existing “iconic features” like the eagle’s nest tower and badger burrows will remain.

“The project is ambitious, but we’re confident that if we all pull together we can make it happen,” he said, noting a number of companies have already pledged their support for the new playground.

“We’ll be recognizing them at the event with a short VIP and media presentation at 11 a.m.”

Grant previously told Radio NL that the hope is to begin construction on the playground by spring of next year.

“We’ve done a lot of work in the past while of paving pathways and improving washrooms and things of that nature, but you can’t say you’re fully accessible if you’re only 90 per cent of the way there,” Grant said in March.

“This is a project that will last for a couple of generations.”