Centre Wellington council is approving new playground equipment for two parks at a cost just shy of $200,000.
On March 19, Centre Wellington’s committee of the whole endorsed a report prepared by Dan Wilson, treasurer and director of corporate services.
One project is a new playground for Elora Meadows Park, while the other is a replacement of the aging playground at Veterans Park in Salem.
Both projects will be completed by Openspace Solutions Inc., one of several bidders on the projects.
The Veterans Park proposal limit is $48,393, exclusive of HST. The Elora Meadows Park proposal limit is $139,997, exclusive of HST.
Wilson explained Elora Meadows Park is identified as a growth-related project within the township’s development charge background study, with 90 per cent funding from development charges.
He said the Veterans Park proposal replaces outdated equipment, which has reached the end of its useful life.
Council was presented design illustrations for both projects.
Councillor Don Fisher asked if the removal of the pavilion at Veterans Park was part of the proposal or considered another project. He was told the shelter was recently removed.
Fisher noted the Elora Meadows work has “been a long haul for the residents to get that park.”
He said the park had a convoluted history and a number of residents had actively been trying to get the park in place.
“I think this is long overdue,” he said.
Councillor Stephen Kitras said the proposal looked very high-tech and noticed there was no wood in the proposed structure.
Kitras was told many manufacturers are moving away from wood as a component in playground structure as steel and plastic are considered more durable.
Mayor Kelly Linton quipped, “… and termites don’t like plastic.”
Linton echoed Fisher’s comments on neighbourhood efforts, adding, “I think that is why the township now works to get the parks in place beforehand … instead of having to wait.”
