The young and young at heart could soon have some fun new things to do at four Midland’s parks.
The town is asking for the public’s help in determining where to spend the nearly $500,000 on new playground equipment. The funding was approved by council as part of the 2021 budget.
“As playground costs vary significantly depending on needs and sizes/types, this can get between one and four park playground structures replaced,” Dylan Flannery, the town’s operations manager, told MidlandToday.
“This again would be dependent on how large the equipment purchased is, what add-ons you include, the surfacing chosen, if borders are installed and what types of sensory items are included.”
Last summer, several playground structures in town parks were cordoned off following an extensive inspection that identified several pieces of equipment needing repairs and/or removal.
The four playgrounds recommended to receive replacement equipment by staff are: Little Lake Park east playground; Pete Pettersen Park playground; Bayview Park playground and Tiffin Park playground.
There are a variety of options available in different themes and styles, structures for ages 18 months old to 5 years of age, 5 to 12 years of age, and potentially some outdoor workout equipment.
“We want the public to help us decide what kind of playground features we install this year,” Flannery said.
To help make the decisions, Flannery said the town is looking for public input to assist in determining how much and where the funding should go.
“The number of parks completed and the types of playgrounds will then be dependent on the feedback received given the budget allotted,” he said, noting the survey will help establish “what types of priorities Midland residents hold with regards to themes and sensory/inclusivity play options.
“We want to ensure these playgrounds are inclusive for people of all abilities, and offer physical and sensory play, including visual, tactile and auditory elements. We want all children to be able to enjoy these new structures.”
The survey ends on April 16th.
“At that time, the town plans to assess the feedback provided and determine how the request for proposals will be developed, which we hope to have completed by the end of April,” Flannery said.
“The process then would take at least another month before bids are received and selections are made and bidders will be required to provide an estimated timeline of completion as with COVID-19 there can be significant delays in receiving materials.”
From there, the town hopes to begin replacing playground structures in early July with construction completed by September 24.
“The designs provided on Engaging Midland are merely examples to give the public an idea of what type of cost is associated with new playground installation as to set proper expectations,” he said.
“These examples are not preferences in any way, and the pricing is an estimate based on internal research conducted.”
As well, Flannery said swings are now being installed now at the locations deemed safe for use, but noted there are several that will be removed as they do not meet safety requirements.
