The city is set to begin phase 2 of construction of a universally accessible playground in Blackburn Park.
Council has approved the purchase of school-age playground equipment for the park to the tune of $111,835 plus HST. The equipment will be provided by Rec-Tec Industries Inc. An additional $71,947 plus HST will go to Rec-Tec for pour-in-place recycled rubber safety surfacing.
Phase 1 of the project, the installation of a pre-school-age playground with the rubber surfacing was completed in October 2011 for $191,713.
Both phases have been made possible as a result of partnerships between the city, community groups and businesses. Salmon Arm’s Rotary clubs have put in $121,000, Salmon Arm Savings and Credit Union has kicked in $80,000 while Tire Stewardship BC has given $50,000.
According to a memo to council from engineering and public works director Rob Niewenhuizen, the Rotary clubs requested that Rec-Tec be used for the project based on their work in designing the Fletcher Park playground and splash park.
Coun. Alan Harrison was supportive of going with Rec-Tec, and commended the community groups who have helped make the Blackburn Park project possible.
“Regardless of whether we look at phase one separate from phase 2, it looks to me like $251,000 came from sources other than the city, so I think the community needs to know that SASCU has donated $80,000 to this project – as a local banking firm, that’s a substantial amount of money,” said Harrison. “Rotary has donated $121,000, which is phenomenal. From the city’s point of view, it’s a huge benefit.”
Coun. Ken Jamieson also made sure to compliment city parks supervisor Brad Ackerman, who has co-ordinated the effort.