Colwood is planning to install a custom ramped playground and a recycled rubber player surface to make its facilities more inclusive.
To increase accessibility for the proposed playground at Quarry Park, $330,000 worth of improvements will be made.
The custom ramped play feature will cost $190,000 and the recycled rubber play surface will cost $140,000.
According to the City of Colwood documents, improving accessibility falls outside the developer’s park plans.
Quarry Park will be the second playground offering an accessible and inclusive play area, following the splash park in Colwood Creek Park.
Colwood is considering repurposing discarded tires to promote eco-friendly practices and divert rubber tires from landfills.
Recycled rubber surfaces offer benefits such as impact absorption, slip resistance and durability. They also provide cushioning to protect children from falls.
The playground will feature many accessible options, including a communication wall, a bird’s nest swing, an accessible digger and more.
A report from Colwood said that city staff have been investigating funding options for the added accessibility options, but due to time constraints associated with construction at Quarry Park, a quick decision was needed.
Funding would come from Colwood’s Growing Communities grant reserve of over $5.1 million, reducing the city’s previously allocated resources.
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