One of the most popular playgrounds in Prince George is about to get an upgrade.
On Thursday, Duchess Park playground will be closed for construction as crews work to install new fall protection at the facility, which will make the playground completely accessible to wheelchair users.
The improvement will replace the aging artificial grass turf with rubber protection made of recycled tires, which will have a much longer life expectancy.
Starting Thursday, fencing will be installed around the facility for site security. The dog park, bike track and tennis courts will remain open.
It's expected the playground will reopen in about the third week of July.
Playground equipment at five other city parks are also scheduled for replacement this year: Sanderson, Jackpine, Quinson, Starlane and Ridgeview.
All of the projects are expected to be completed prior to the 2018-2019 school year.
As well, the city will be constructing a new playground at Heather Park Elementary School thanks in large part to $115,000 worth of funding collected by the school's parent advisory council. Construction will begin later this summer and is expected to be completed in time for the fall school year.
