Delta council recently endorsed a recommendation for the city to enter a cost-sharing and access agreement with REACH Child and Youth Development Society to construct a playground expansion at the North Delta Recreation Centre.
A staff report notes the society contacted the city requesting Delta consider entering an agreement as part of a jointly funded project whereby the society would be responsible for securing grant funding that would support an expansion of the existing playground with a focus on enhancing accessibility.
The existing playground had not been scheduled for upgrades or expansion in the near future.
Earlier this year, the total projected cost for the expanded playground was estimated between $365,000 and $400,000.
The society is preparing a grant application to the province under the Community Gaming Grants Program, a funding program available to non-profit societies but not municipalities.
The grant would cover 50 per cent of the project funding up to a total funding contribution of $250,000.
Should the society be successful, additional funding would still be required, and the society has secured funding of $68,000 through various fundraising efforts, but also requested the city contribute the remaining funds to meet the grant funding requirements.
The city’s contribution is estimated at $132,000.
The city would retain full ownership of the playground and would remain responsible for operation and maintenance.
Meanwhile, council also endorsed a recommendation to issue a request for bids for playground renewal projects at Sunbury Park and 89A Avenue Park, now that the community consultation process for the renewals has concluded and final designs confirmed.
Both playgrounds are designed with tot and intermediate age features and designed in a way that focuses on accessibility and inclusive play opportunities.
Delta staff also note that this fall, the city will commence with a community engagement process to guide the design of playground replacements at Beach Grove Mini Park and Bell Park.
The city has 37 playgrounds in its inventory, 27 of which were constructed during the period of 2002 to 2005 and are at, or nearing, the end of their life cycle. A structured 10-year playground renewal program is being developed for all the sites.
A previous civic report noted that with the advice and guidance of the Mobility and Accessibility Committee, Delta has focused on making playgrounds more accessible for people with disabilities.
New city playgrounds are also to have more “natural play with an element of risk to support child and youth development.”
