Several local parks in Port Elgin are getting playground upgrades following input from residents and support from the Port Elgin & District Lion’s Club.
A notice from the Town of Saugeen Shores notes upgrades will be made to the playgrounds at Nodwell, Waterloo and Pierson parks, with a brand-new one being set up at Summerside.
This follows input received from over 1,000 residents, the Accessibility Advisory Committee and the Port Elgin & District Lion’s Club, with the club making a $50,000 donation to replace the equipment at Nodwell park.
The upgrades made at Nodwell and Summerside will feature enhanced swings, with all four parks getting other inclusive equipment, including climbing structures and slides.
The release notes during the design process of the playgrounds, town staff followed the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation Guidelines to ensure the play sets will be able to accommodate as many children as possible, taking into account varying physical abilities.
Saugeen Shores Mayor Luke Charbonneau says these parks will be community hubs for everyone to enjoy for years to come.
“We are so grateful to the Lion’s Club for generously partnering with us. We are also pleased that the new designs meet and exceed accessibility requirements so we can make sure kids with varying abilities can play safe and have fun,” says Charbonneau.
President of the Port Elgin & District Lion’s Club Ed Buckle says they are proud to contribute to and be a part of the Nodwell Park project.
“A playground is a central attraction in any park, and we know the design we have contributed to will meet the needs of so many children in our community. It will be exciting to watch it become a reality over the coming months,” says Buckle.
The budget for the project has been set at just over $385,000 and is included in the 2021 Community Services Capital budget.
The park playgrounds upgrades are geared to begin this fall, through to the spring of 2022.
