Prince George City Council heard a report on updating the playground at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park at last night’s (Monday) meeting.
“The structure and surrounding area does not meet current design standards for accessibility, and being over 20 years in age has advanced to a condition in need of replacement,” said Director of Civic Operations Blake McIntosh.
“A playground safety audit conducted in 2021 recommended reinvestment, as components are beginning to fail, are not readily available for repairs and are becoming cost prohibitive.”
McIntosh also noted the park is a protected archaeological site requiring monitoring and site mitigation works under the Heritage Conservation Act.
“Any maintenance or renewal works that have the potential to disturb archaeological and cultural sensitive areas require on-site assessments and reporting as necessary,” he explained.
“To achieve these requirements and minimize earthwork disturbances for the playground renewal, the area encompassing the existing playground will be surveyed with electromagnetic and ground-penetrating radar.”
McIntosh says this process requires the removal of the play structure, which is planned for this month.
“It’s the right way to do it, it’s required of course, but doing the ground penetrating radar and checking what’s underneath there is critical,” said Councillor Garth Frizzell.
“The layout and design is great. At Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park, if we’re going to have a beaver and a bear, we might want a grouse and a frog as well.”
Frizzell also moved to have the Mayor send a letter of thanks to the rotary clubs involved in the current play structure’s design.
“The artist renderings look fantastic,” said Councillor Tim Bennett.
“I think they have done a fantastic job trying to tie in Prince George into the play structure, and I think this is something that the community can really take some pride in.”
Phase two of the project is scheduled for construction in 2025, which would leave the park without a playground until it’s complete.
As for how long the playground would be closed, McIntosh said that’s unknown at the time.
“I think as much as it will be an inconvenience to have the playground closed, I think if it’s well communicated and this is why it’s closed, I think for the most part, people will understand,” Bennett said.
The staff report estimates the project will require $3 million in funding.
Councillor Kyle Sampson suggested seeking naming rights or sponsorships.
“I think we did something similar when we built the splash park 20 years ago,” Sampson said.
“I think there’s a sign down there still that recognizes different sponsors who gave and contributed, so I think that might be an opportunity.”
Council did not have to take any action on the item at last night’s meeting, as it was just for council information.
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