The playground in Steveston Community Park is due for a complete renewal, according to the City of Richmond, and is set to move to the detailed design and costing phase.
The current playground was last upgraded in 2003, according to a city staff report, while the water park was built in 2006 and its slide mound was reconstructed in 2014.
The report notes that while playground equipment and surfacing meets current safety standards, the majority of the playground’s areas are “reaching the end of their life cycle and do not meet today's inclusive accessibility standards.”
It’s estimated that the detailed design and costing phase will cost the city $80,000 to $100,000 for consultant services. The funds will come in part from the city’s 2017 capital budget as well as from the Steveston Community Society, which has offered to contribute up to $40,000.
The city held public consultations for the upgrade between February and September 2016, which helped develop the concept plan for the playground’s upgrade. The Steveston Community Society and Rick Hanson Foundation were also consulted.
According to the city, the preferred concept plan includes “distinct adventure play areas for all age groups and provides enhanced seating and picnic areas for families and adults.” The playground will include sections that are wheelchair accessible.
Each of the play areas are inspired by aspects of Steveston’s history, such as farming or fishing. A salmon-run themed area is also included.
The renewal process was put on hold while the city decided on a location for the new Steveston Community Centre and Branch Library, which will be built between the Martial Arts Centre and southeast baseball diamond.
The new playground, meanwhile, will be built “generally in the same area as the existing playground,” according to the city report. Vancouver Coastal Health also requires a new standalone washroom to be built for the water spray park.
Construction of the new playground should begin in spring 2022.
The playground renewal is on the agenda for Monday’s city council meeting.
