with files from Colin Smith
The playground has been completely replaced. It was also moved to place it in the centre of the park to better meet current safety standards.
Construction is complete and Public Works has been finishing the landscaping. They need to get the park inspected and then hope to open it by Friday Oct. 2/
They also plan to build a new trail/sidewalk through the park next year.
The playground at the Ray McDonald Sports Complex is also being completely replaced. The contractor has begun the work and it is targeted to be completed by mid-October. That playground will be Morinville’s first accesible park.
Morinville has nine playgrounds owned by the Town, including Skyline Ball Diamonds. Most are more than 20 years old and are considered to be in poor to very poor condition. According to an Administration report earlier this year, the current recommended replacement cycle for a playground is 15 to 20 years. In addition, none of the playgrounds in Morinville are considered accessible for persons with disabilities as they all have sand as a base and no accessible play structures.
Council recently approved $1.1 million in infrastructure spending from a provincial stimulus grant. Part of that $1.1 million includes replacing the utility trailer with a purpose-built building for those using the outdoor rink, playground and splash park. The spending will also include completely replacing the existing outdoor rink with a facility that can be used year round for other sports and activities.
