SYNLawn Toronto Celebrates Philanthropic Installation for the Canadian National Institute for the Blind
MacTier, ON — SYNLawn Toronto recently completed a philanthropic installation in Toronto, Ontario, benefitting the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB). The CNIB Foundation was founded in 1918 and is a non-profit organization that aims to change what it means to be blind. The CNIB empowers those with blindness to live out their dreams through innovative programs and advocacy.
John Larsen, the owner of SYNLawn Toronto, and his team have installed hundreds of similar projects over the past decade, making Larsen and his crew an excellent choice for the installation. Through Larsen’s valued relationship with the CNIB, Larsen partnered with the Synthetic Turf Council (STC) to contribute a multi-purpose soccer field, mini-golf course, and amenities to the organization.
Building the First Permanent, Purpose-Built Blind Soccer Field and Mini-Golf Course at Lake Joe
SYNLawn Toronto helped build the first permanent, purpose-built blind soccer field and a new mini-golf course at CNIB Lake Joseph. The field results from a generous donation from SYNLawn Toronto and the Synthetic Turf Council.
The inclusive, ADA-compliant soccer field has a large, bright yellow circle in the center for the visually impaired and textured sidelines using Safeshell, a crushed walnut shell infill for the visually impaired to ‘feel’ where the field ends. The field also uses soccer balls with bells inside to help players locate where the ball is during play. The new 8-hole mini-golf course has multi-colored balls and flags throughout to help those with some sight and includes braille for the blind.
Making a Difference for the Visually Impaired with artificial grass
The newly installed soccer field and mini-golf course are making a difference for the visually impaired. A study completed by the American Foundation for the Blind concluded that 70% of children with sight loss do not play organized sports. This is due to the many obstacles that the visually impaired have to overcome to participate in sports.
The soccer field comes complete with a custom pre-fabricated logo installed by SYNLawn Toronto helps blind children and youth to overcome those obstacles and stay active with one another in the summer months. These games include blind hockey and 5-a-side soccer, also known as “blind soccer.” The mini-golf course comes complete with eight holes and vibrant, colorful golf balls and flags, creating high contrast for better visibility. This course was designed using a variety of difficulty levels, which spell out the words “Mini Golf” using the braille alphabet.
About SYNLawn Toronto
SYNLawn Toronto has completed numerous installations over the last decade. To learn more, please call (905) 272-9683, see the showroom at 3211 Lenworth Drive, Mississauga, ON L4X 2G6, or visit synlawntoronto.ca.
