Guided by the 2023 Accessibility Plan and City Council’s Strategic Plan priority of Livability and Sustainability, the City of Kamloops is proud to share another exciting step towards a more inclusive community.

This summer, the City partnered with People In Motion and Project X Theatre to make the beloved Theatre Under the Trees event even more welcoming for everyone. Held under the leafy canopy in Prince Charles Park, this family-friendly outdoor theatre experience is a summer highlight—but getting there isn’t always easy for everyone. While accessible for many, the grass creates a barrier for others. This presented an opportunity to make something better.

The City provided accessibility mats to Project X Theatre, making it easier for all guests to enjoy this year’s magical performances of Thumbelina and The Emperor’s New Threads. 

“A huge thank you to the City for sharing the mobility mat with our summer festival, Theatre Under the Trees,” said Randi Edmundson, Artistic Producer, Project X Theatre.  “As we welcome more Kamloopsians to our theatre, we've been looking for ways to increase access to our outdoor stage; the mat evens out the grassy, bumpy park terrain, easing the way for everyone.”

It’s a simple solution with a big impact. The mats are 50 ft. and 100 ft. long and are made from recycled plastic bottles. They are easily laid out on grass or sand to create a flat, stable surface that helps mobility aids and scooters get to places more easily. The mats will help create a more accessible venue for residents and guests, and hopefully spark conversation about reducing and eliminating barriers, driving us to be a more accessible and inclusive community. 

Accessibility mats are available free of charge for your events. Please contact the City of Kamloops at access@kamloops.ca for more details.