By Mark Squibb/September 16, 2022
As completion of the St. David’s accessible playground grows nearer, members of Mount Pearl council say they are pleased with the progress.
“So, the topsoil, grading, and concrete walkways are complete, and playground structures are being assembled on site,” said councilor Isabelle Fry during her capital project status report at last week’s public meeting. “The rubberized surface is to be installed probably the first week in September. So that one is coming together and that’s one that we’re all really proud of.”
The upgrades, which include smart technology, improved lighting, and the addition of two new gender-neutral washrooms, were announced in August, 2021, and were funded by the federal and provincial governments.
Both governments chipped in about $150,000 each, while the City covered the lion’s share – over $661,000.
“I’m very excited about the St. David’s smart, accessible playground,” said councillor Mark Rice. “I drove up there and had a look and it’s a lot bigger than I realized it was going to be. It’s phenomenal work, a phenomenal job done, both the engineering and the design. Hats off to our engineering department and … if you want to see how an accessible playground should be done, visit our playground up by St. David’s field. It’s a phenomenal job.”
Since work began, the City has approved a number of change orders related to the project, including creation of a green belt connection between St. David’s Park and the smart accessible playground location ($8,515), addition of an adult change table ($39,417), enhancement of the small play structure to be fully wheelchair accessible ($28,955), addition of three independent ground-based activity panels ($17,666) and the relocation of a storm sewer and catch basin to accommodate the new playground at a price of $40,990, with calculated adjustments at a cost of roughly $20,940, for a total of $61,880, amongst others.
