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About Openspace

Partners in play, champions in teamwork

It’s not just about great designs and quality parts; it’s about the team that brings it all together.

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Parks play a vital role in supporting healthy, connected communities for families and children. Few park amenities bring people of all ages and abilities together as effectively as playgrounds and splash pads. Creating these spaces delivers a meaningful and lasting impact—but achieving that outcome requires balancing diverse needs and expectations of all stakeholders.

Great parks don’t happen by chance. They are the result of thoughtful planning, passionate commitment, expert execution, and strong collaboration. That’s where Openspace excels.

Openspace has assembled a knowledgeable, dedicated team to serve as your trusted parks partner. They bring experience, reliability, and care to every project, from start to finish. With Openspace, you can expect more. We invest ourselves fully in every project, large or small. We communicate clearly, respond promptly, resolve challenges efficiently, and are always available to meet in person to keep projects moving forward. With our depth of experience, we are ready to share our insight to help you create spaces that communities value, and that you’re proud to deliver. Because great public spaces are built together.

Our Team

The real M.V.P.s

From knowledgeable sales support and thoughtful design to detailed project management and execution, the Openspace team brings expertise, collaboration, accountability, and care to every project. We collaborate closely with landscape architects and municipalities across Ontario to deliver well-designed, well-built spaces—on time and with intention. We’re proud of the people who make this happen, and we are confident you’ll enjoy working with them too.

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Janet Elliott
President
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Janet Elliott's Bio

Janet brings over 35 years of industry experience, leading the company with a hands-on, collaborative approach. She builds strong partnerships with trusted Canadian suppliers to deliver high-quality products across Ontario. Janet continues to work closely with landscape architects and municipalities to develop creative, thoughtful designs that provide lasting value. Known for her clear communication, integrity, and fair, respectful approach with general contractors, she is committed to fostering strong partnerships and delivering successful projects. In her free time Janet enjoys travelling, watching sports and spending time with her special needs son, Connor. 

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Steve Elliott
General Manager
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Steve Elliott's Bio

Steve has been with Openspace since 2013 and oversees the company’s day-to-day operations, including managing the administration team. With over 35 years of experience in sales and management, he brings a wealth of expertise to every aspect of the business. Steve reviews contracts, works closely with customer service to resolve issues promptly, and evaluates new opportunities to ensure they align with Openspace’s goals for success.  Outside of work, he enjoys following major sports and spending quality time with his special-needs son, Connor.

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Alex Elliott
Sales Manager
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Alex Elliott's Bio

Alex joined Openspace in 2015 and leads the playground sales team, working closely with our Canadian-based playground supplier to bring the latest products and innovations to the market. In his own territory, including the GTA, he designs award-winning playgrounds for municipalities and landscape architects, blending creativity with a focus on play value, aesthetics, and budget. Known for clear communication and problem-solving, Alex ensures every project is delivered on time and to the highest standard.  Outside of work, he enjoys coaching hockey and spending time outdoors with his wife and two daughters, bringing the same energy and passion for connection to both family and parks.

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John Nguyen
Project Manager / Technical Design
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John Nguyen's Bio

John has been with Openspace since 2019.  John collaborates closely with splash pad installers, suppliers, and contractors to ensure projects are completed accurately, efficiently, and true to design. With over 20 years of experience in custom design and manufacturing and five years in construction management, he brings a practical, solutions-focused approach to every project. A natural problem solver with a passion for innovation, John is committed to getting the job done right. In his spare time, he enjoys watchmaking, electronics repair, ice fishing, and time with his family.

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Eric Nadeau
Sales Consultant
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Eric Nadeau's Bio

Eric has been with Openspace since 2015 and brings 14 years of sales experience in playgrounds and park amenities. He works closely with municipalities, landscape architects, and schools to ensure outdoor spaces meet both vision and budget. An OPA Playground Practitioner with accessibility training, Eric is hands-on throughout the project—from design to final construction—ensuring every detail is executed with care.  A father of two, Eric draws inspiration from his children, who keep him connected to play trends and eager to test new installations. Outside of work, he enjoys fishing, skiing, and skating, bringing the same passion for outdoor connection and adventure to every park he helps create.

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Ainsley Bromley
Sales Consultant
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Ainsley Bromley's Bio

Ainsley joined Openspace Solutions in 2020 as a Sales Consultant, bringing more than 10 years of sales experience. She works closely with municipalities, schools, and landscape architects to deliver engaging, inclusive play environments. With a strong foundation in design, product knowledge, and project management, Ainsley takes a trusted, consultative approach—guiding projects seamlessly from concept to completion, on time and on budget. Outside of work, she enjoys cheering on her kids at the hockey arena, coaching soccer in the summer, and spending time with her family.

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Elyse Critchlow
Project Coordinator
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Elyse Critchlow's Bio

Elyse joined Openspace in 2022 as Project Coordinator. She manages the scheduling and coordination of over 100 projects each season, working closely with the internal sales team, install crews, and general contractors to ensure every detail—from construction drawings to site logistics—is aligned. With over 15 years of project management experience across construction, tourism, and hospitality, she thrives on keeping complex projects running smoothly. A strong believer in collaboration, and communication, she brings both precision and a people-first mindset to her work. Outside of the office, she enjoys travelling with her young family and exploring playgrounds around the world.

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Janina Sanchez
CAD Designer
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Janina Sanchez's Bio

Janina joined Openspace in 2023 and supports playground and splash pad projects by creating visual materials, including 2D and 3D design packages, that bring concepts to life during the proposal and planning process. She also prepares technical and installation drawings to guide construction and on-site installation. Janina enjoys collaborating with diverse teams to turn ideas into clear, engaging, and functional solutions that contribute to the success of every project.  Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband and two children.

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Alexa Speiran
Office Administrator
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Alexa Speiran's Bio

Alexa joined Openspace in 2025 and supports day-to-day accounting and administrative tasks, working closely with the internal team on invoicing, payments, and coordination. She brings strong communication skills and a client-focused mindset to her role, with an organized and detail-oriented approach. Alexa values working in a close-knit environment where teamwork, flexibility, and shared goals matter.  Outside of work Alexa enjoys spending time with her husband and their 2 daughters. 

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Karla Hewitt
Project Manager / Sales Consultant
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Karla Hewitt's Bio

Karla joined the Openspace Solutions Splash Pad Team in 2025, working with landscape architects and municipal partners to plan and deliver innovative Waterplay installations. With over 25 years of business experience across various roles, she also brings valuable insider knowledge from her five years with Waterplay, our splash pad supplier. An OPA-certified Splash Pad Practitioner, Karla has hands-on expertise in splash pad design and project management. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, particularly on the tennis courts.

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Connor Elliott
Team Motivator
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Connor Elliott's Bio

Connor has been part of Openspace since the very beginning. Growing up in the company, he has attended over 75 project grand openings, handing out beach balls and Openspace swag to kids with his infectious smile. He has “tested and approved” hundreds of playgrounds and splash pads across Ontario and plays a key role in our team, constantly inspiring us to be more inclusive and motivating us to achieve success.

If you’re a creative, organized, and dedicated team player and interested in joining our team, please email info@openspacesolutions.com

"We were impressed with our work with Openspace from the first phone call right through to the completed inspection! They know their stuff when it comes to outdoor play structures and how to help choose the right items that would meet our particular needs. Their installation crew worked seamlessly with our board staff to meet the safety requirements that are established. They were also quick and efficient to help modify the structure once some settling in took place. Janet, we thank you for your personal touches that made this big financial investment by our school seem extremely comfortable…"
Peter B., Forest Hill Public School
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