A new “tot lot” at Harrison Park in Owen Sound is expected to be installed and open for use soon.
Owen Sound’s Director of Parks and Open Space Adam Parsons says layout work at the construction site near the Harrison Park Inn restaurant started on Tuesday. Installation of the new play structures and swings have since been completed while mulch still needs to be laid.
Parsons anticipates the new playground — designed for children between the ages of 18 months- and five years-old — will be ready to go by the end of next week.
Parsons notes the playground will include many components designed to accommodate accessibility needs such as slides and interactive panels.
“A lot of thought and design went into creating an accessible space where everyone can enjoy a chance to play,” Parsons explains.
The budgeted cost for the new tot lot at Harrison Park is $100,000.
It is one of two playground replacements undertaken in Owen Sound this year. Parsons says work was completed last month on a new play structure at Timber McArthur Park to replace the old equipment that had reached the end of its useful life.
It had a budgeted cost of $30,000.
A playground replacement plan is being developed by the city for several other older structures as well, Parsons adds. It will be part of Owen Sound’s five-year capital forecast presented to councillors during 2021 budget deliberations.