The playground at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park is old and unsafe, city council will hear Monday night.
A report going to council by civic operations director Blake McIntosh presents plans for the replacement of the playground.
The existing Rotary Playground, installed in 2000, has been deemed unsafe and inadequate according to a 2021 playground safety audit, which recommended immediate reinvestment. The City initiated the first phase of the renewal project in April 2024 by collaborating with Canadian Recreation Solutions to design the new playground.
The report outlines that construction for the second phase of the project is slated for 2025. The estimated cost for the playground renewal project is approximately $3 million. As the council prepares for its upcoming budget deliberations, city administration has urged a preliminary funding commitment to ensure the project remains on track.
The first phase will include an extensive archaeological impact assessment, as the entire park is classified as a protected archaeological site under the Heritage Conservation Act. To mitigate potential disturbances during construction, the city plans to employ modern methods, such as electromagnetic and ground-penetrating radar surveys, to better understand the site before any ground work begins.
"Removing the existing playground is essential for a thorough archaeological assessment and to ensure a timely construction process," wrote McIntosh. "It's crucial that we proceed with this removal before the busy spring season to avoid delays."
The park attracts tens of thousands of visitors annually. The park has undergone various upgrades over the years, with recent enhancements including a renovated washroom facility and improved accessibility features.
Council is expected to discuss the playground renewal in its meeting Monday, Oct. 7, where further details and design concepts will be reviewed.
