Playgrounds at local parks are popular among the young and young at-heart. The swings and slides bring joy to many.
But the rising cost of new playgrounds and related accessibility demands, which carry a significant price tag, did not bring smiles to the faces of city politicians during budget deliberations.
Councillors approved spending $240,000 in 2020 to replace playgrounds at Victoria Park and West Ridge Park.
But that is a drop in the bucket compared to what needs to be done - and soon.
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) requires that, among other things, playgrounds must be accessible by 2025.
That presents a challenge the city, at least right now, will be hard-pressed to meet, concedes Ray Merkley, the city’s manager of parks, recreation and culture.
Merkley told councillors the city operates 27 playgrounds at its 36 parks; they each have a life expectancy of 15 to 20 years.
Under AODA, the surface of the playground must be accessible; sand is no longer acceptable. Rather, there are two options: a rubberized surface or a less expensive engineered wood fibre.
In addition, there must be “accessible connecting pathways which are wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs, they must include handrails and ramps and should include features such as adaptive swings, interactive games, elevated sandboxes etc.” said Merkley.
Those upgrades are expensive and the reserve fund the city uses to help pay for such things “has insufficient funds,” noted Merkley.
He said staff will conduct an analysis prior to next year’s budget process, to come up with some options.
Options could include reducing the size of playground equipment when it’s time to be replaced or reducing amenities. It might mean moving to a surface of “engineered wood fibre as opposed to rubber” that’s more expensive.
“We could also look at not replacing some of the equipment when it’s due for replacement or there could be park design differences” to consider. “For example, if you move a playground closer to a sidewalk area then you’re not having to put in as large a trail or pathway to get to that playground. We will look at all those alternatives as potential solutions,” Merkley said.
He said this year’s work at Victoria Park (rejected by council last year) and West Ridge Park is necessary.
Homewood Park
Homewood Park, which opened about 15 years ago, will also be receiving some minor upgrades in 2020.
Councillors agreed to spend $25,000 to replace the shingles on the pavilion and washroom building and replace both with a steel roof. Any damage or rotten wood fascia board will be repaired.
Tudhope Park
Work will also continue at Tudhope Park in 2020 - $130,000 worth.
In 2015, the city partnered with the Mariposa Folk Foundation (MFF) to create a park design plan. Approximately $2.2 million has been invested in the park since then.
The work approved for 2020 includes:
- Completion of the drainage area and gradging improvements in the Mariposa Folk Festival camping area;
- New sand volleyball courts and associated park improvements;
- Improved streetscape along the Atherley Road frontage, which will include a butterfly and bee habitat garden near the Kids for Turtles building along with a themed public art installation.
The MFF contributes up to $20,000 each year in matching funds toward implementing the improvements in the design plan.
Decisions made during budget deliberations are subject to ratification at a special council meeting tonight.
