Jack Kielo stretches to corral a pass from his brother, Samuel, during some time at Central Park last summer. Work is set to begin at the park this week on a natural playground.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
A project to install a new “natural playground” at Central Park will begin this week with a single tree removal and then dismantling older playground equipment in the historic park’s southwest corner, the parks department announced on Monday.
The city in conjunction with the park’s patron, the Kiwanis Club of Medicine Hat, and the Medicine Hat Early Childhood Coalition, held public feedback sessions last fall about the changes that will see log structures, sand pits and other features built near the waterpark of the 100-year-old park.
Play structures are currently off limits to the public as per health restrictions put in place to battle the spread of COVID-19, but the department states that crews will proceed with caution and following best practices to maintain a healthy working environment.
The trunk of tree that is set to be cut down will be used as part of a climbing apparatus that will be put in. That is set to begin on Wednesday. Removal of older swings and other playground equipment will start on May 4.
There are no alterations or changes planned for the other playground in the park, which contains the “whale slide feature.”
