Mariners Park opens to the public this weekend after updates to the decades-old playground.
The additions include a rubber covering on the ground, replacing pea gravel, to cushion falls from the equipment. Specialized work crews from Vancouver installed the surfacing that was designed for people of all abilities.
READ MORE: BRAND NEW TOT PARK COMING TO MARINERS PARK
The Prince Rupert Lions Club raised funds for the original playground and the replacement. The first park was installed in 1994, but the wooden structure and toys have since become unusable because of safety concerns.
The playground was supposed to be unveiled last summer, but the project faced several delays. The playground was vandalized three times, which added $15,000 to the project — pushing it over budget and postponing the opening date.
| During the installation of the playground it was vandalized three times.(Photo by Shannon Lough) |
Although the Lions Club had raised $100,000 by January 2017, they had to wait for approval from city council before work on the upgrades could start.
The new playground marks the 100th anniversary of Lions Club International.
“We are proud to see this project completed and to help revitalize this important community asset,” Paul Rajendram, project coordinator for the Prince Rupert Lions Club, said in the press release.
“We believe the healthiness of a community is reflected in child development, including creativity, teamwork, tolerance and a sense [of] belonging. The Lions Club is thankful to the many local partners that stepped-up to ensure this project was a success, and we hope children and their parents enjoy and benefit from this park.”
READ MORE: VANDALISM SLOWS MARINERS PARK PLAYGROUND PROJECT
keili.bartlett@thenorthernview.com
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