The city is repurposing this Viking ship from the Big Marble Go Centre for a new playground in Tower Estates Park. It's one of three playgrounds the city is replacing this summer-NEWS PHOTO BRENDAN MILLER
bmiller@medicinehatnews.com
Three local playgrounds are undergoing renovations with a focus on accessibility and inclusion in the design process.
Work is underway at outdoor playgrounds in Tower Estates Park, Muir Park and the Hill Pool Park and all will be closed until upgrades are completed.
Notably, the city is repurposing the existing Viking ship structure from the Big Marble Go Centre to incorporate into the Tower Estates Park playground, transforming it into a unique play space for kids.
“It’s kind of a ship-based theme so there’s opportunities for climbing on monkey bars,” said Jamie McLeod, manager of asset planning. “Basically anything that you could imagine as a destination playground is encompassed within this design.”
Both Hill Pool Park and Muir Park playground will also be outfitted with new playground equipment that includes new climbing features, slides, swings and a new style of teeter-totter.
The city is also upgrading the trail network connecting the playgrounds as well as upgrading picnic tables, garbage bins and landscaping.
During the design process the city partnered with its contractor and consultants to make sure the new playgrounds would be accessible to as many children as possible.
“(It’s) to make sure that we’re putting in things that are age specific, as well as different demographics who are able to play and enjoy and utilize the space,” said McLeod.
The city is also using a new fall medium made from engineered wood fibre that is accessible for children who have mobility challenges or are in a wheelchair.
The city says it anticipates the upgrades will be complete by July and will be ready to open once they are 100 per cent safe for utilization.
