PRESS RELEASE - City Wants Feedback for New Equipment in 4 Parks

Do you like parks? Do you like playgrounds? Who doesn't? And I know you kids who read this blog do. So the City of Guelph is looking for feedback concerning a new playground equipment being installed in four local parks. I don't have any kids, so I really have no skin in the game, but what I will say is that if it were me offering my input, I would lean more towards the sandlots and metal bars of my own playground days. Hey, it may not have been as safe, and I knocked out my two front teeth on a see-saw when I was five, but I survived. (Maybe that's why I shouldn't have a say...)

Here's the press release from the city: 

Guelph, ON, April 9, 2015 – The City is seeking public input as it plans for this year’s replacement of aging playground equipment in four of Guelph’s parks—Riverside, Windsor, Spurline and Mayfield.

Swings, slides, climbers, and other play equipment will be replaced with new structures that meet current Canadian Standards Association’s (CSA) standards for children’s playspaces and equipment.

“Depending on use and location, play structures have an average life span of 12 to 15 years. Each year the City makes it a priority to replace aging play equipment in our parks,” says Rory Barr Templeton, a landscape planner with the City. “This well-received process involves the opportunity for residents to decide just how their local park will be equipped—ensuring each unique playground is not only used but loved.”

To understand the greater community’s needs and desires for new playground equipment in Riverside Park, the City is undertaking a three-stage engagement process. During the vision phase—April 13 to May 3—residents can help create a wish list of play components. From June 22 to July 12 the public can vote on a preferred concept design.

The final phase—August 3 to 17—is a review of the final park design to be built this fall.
Input on the new play space at Riverside Park can be submitted online using MindMixer at guelph.ca/riversidepark, by phone 519-837-5618 or in person at Evergreen Seniors Community Centre, located 683 Woolwich Street.

The City is also seeking written comments for:

• • Windsor Park, 74 Waverley Drive (Ward 2)
• • Spurline Park, Dufferin Street (Ward 2)
• • Mayfield Park, 19 Mayfield Avenue (Ward 5)

From now until April 17, residents can submit comments about Windsor, Spurline and Mayfield parks to City Hall, 1 Carden Street, Guelph, ON N1H 3A1 or email communityservices@guelph.ca.

“In their correspondence, residents should indicate the park name, playground user disabilities, and contact information if they would like a reply from the City,” Templeton adds.

Feedback received will assist the City in choosing appropriate play equipment for the four parks. When choosing new playground equipment staff will consider equipment that maximizes play value, diversity in play equipment, low-maintenance options, vandalism records, and available budget.

The City is responsible for maintaining 87 park playgrounds. In 2014, aging play equipment was replaced in four parks through the City’s annual playground equipment replacement program.