The City is proposing to renew the Florence Gell Playground as part of a “safe and accessible” program.
The playground will be redesigned using feedback from the community. The redesigned playground is proposed to include:
A full playground redevelopment including accessible play equipment
An accessible pathway connecting to the new playground area
Woodchip playground surfacing
An elevated wood sandbox
Improvements will only be made in the general playground area. This will not include any new water or lighting features, or improvements to other areas of the park.
Note from city staff: There is insufficient space for a “Dog Run” within the park and will not happen at this location.
Round 1:
After a 2021 survey that was responded to by over 200 community members who were largely unsatisfied with the proposed design, the city has committed to returning to our community for additional consultations in 2022.
Round 2:
From Gord Perk's Office June 2022 - "A landscape architectural consultant was successfully hired in June to progress a new design for the playground. The project website will be updated shortly to reflect a new anticipated timeline including a new public consultation to select new playground design options.”
At the May 2022 Community Meeting with Gord Perks, the councillor put forward the opportunity to access additional Section 41 Funding (development fees).
The current timeline posted on the city's project page is:
Fall 2022: Community engagement (online survey 2)
Winter 2022/2023: Design
Summer 2023: Construction starts
Fall 2023: Playground reopens