The highly anticipated accessible playground in Southampton is about to become a reality.
Saugeen Shores Council is ready to approve phase one of the project following a recommendation from the Committee of the Whole.
Phase one will include site preparation, the installation of accessible pathways, and the awarding of the contract to Recreation Playsystems for the purchase and installation of the playground equipment.
Recreation Playsystems Sales Manager Janet Elliott is very excited to see the project reach this stage.
She says she had her first meeting with the Accessibility Committee back in 2006 and commends the group for their hard work and vision.
Elliott says it was important to the group to create a playground where children and adults of all abilities can play together.
She says they worked hard to choose inclusive elements at ground level that will allow children with disabilities to join in play with a large group, such as the X-Wave teeter totter which allows 26 people to ride at once.
Elliott says the focal point of the playground will be an 18 foot tall climbing net.
Phase one will cost 235 thousand dollars and will be completely paid for by fundraising, which has now surpassed the 300 thousand dollar mark.
Site preparation at Jubilee Park is expected to begin in early April while the playground equipment will be installed in early June.
Then phase two would include the planting of a sensory garden, making the existing washrooms accessible, and creating accessible parking.
It’s hoped the grand opening of the Rotary Accessible Playground will be held in late June.