New play structures are coming to 32 public parks across the city of Windsor.
Mayor Drew Dilkens announced the $9.4 million in funding on Friday afternoon.
The 32 playgrounds are all around 20-28 years old and city administration has deemed that they have reached the end of their useful life span.
“Outdoor playgrounds have always been an important component of our parks system, but as the COVID-19 pandemic has clearly shown, these public play spaces are absolutely essential for maintaining a strong community. Few signs of a healthy and vibrant neighbourhood are more convincing than seeing a playground buzzing with families. This $9.4-million investment builds our city up and creates opportunities to stay healthy and active,” said Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens.
The 32 parks slated to receive new playgrounds include the following:
· Ward 1: Lake Laguna, Matthew Rodzik, Dynasty and Kominar parks
· Ward 2: McKee and Bradley parks
· Ward 3: Fred Thomas and Alton C. Parker parks
· Ward 4: Gignac, Willistead, Garwood, Kid’s Alliance and Devonshire parks
· Ward 5: Mayfair, Robert and Francois parks
· Ward 6: Homesite and St. Paul Grove parks
· Ward 7: Cora Greenwood, Ganatchio/Little River Corridor Trail, Seneca, Stillmeadow and South Rendezvous parks
· Ward 8: Coletta, Thurston and Shawnee parks
· Ward 9: Kenilworth, Maple Leaf and Patrick McGuire parks
· Ward 10: Avondale Playlot, Brookview and Aboriginal parks
All of the playground structures will be replaced with fully accessible facilities.
The city is asking for public feedback about what features, themes or special considerations they would like to see in their neighbourhood playgrounds. The survey will be open until August 27.
The new playgrounds will be installed over the next two years. Once complete, nearly 70 percent of all 125 public play structures will be upgraded and modernized.