Work began on the replacement of two playgrounds in the City of Grande Prairie on July 9th.
Work on the playground at Monkman Park in O’Brien Lake is currently underway, and work on the playground located at 74th Avenue and 107th Street in Mission Heights is scheduled to start “soon.”
To engage the individuals that are most likely to use the structures and assist the city with revitalization, the City enlisted the help of local kids to select the new colour palettes for the new playgrounds. Students from two Stepping Stone daycares selected the colourful “Macaw” palette for Mission Height’s playground, and students from École Louis Riel chose a vibrant “Seabreeze” palette for Monkman Park.
Grande Prairie Mayor Jackie Clayton says the choice to engage the youth during this process was successful and adds that the city is pleased to have engaged the community’s youngest members in a project that means something to them.
“Their input has helped create spaces that will leave a lasting impression and provide enjoyment for years to come,” she says.
Officials say that a number of factors were considered during the planning phase of the project including a “thorough assessment” of playground safety, age and condition of playgrounds, maintenance costs, and proximity to other playgrounds.
Playground replacements include the removal of existing equipment, new installations of updated equipment and wooden borders, and wood fiber surfacing.
During this process, the playgrounds will be fenced off in the interest of public safety, and will remain fenced off until the final inspection is completed and approved.
The city suggests both projects are anticipated to be complete by September 30th of this year.
