A look in from the grand opening of Medstead's new playground. (Submitted photos/Lora Hundt)

By Martin Martinson

Boon for the community

Medstead celebrates grand opening of Centennial Park playground

Jun 23, 2023 | 1:06 PM

The Village of Medstead recently celebrated the official grand opening of its new playground in Centennial Park.

The playground project, which began in the spring of 2021, cost more than $105,000 to construct and included pouring gravel for a base, installation of park furniture and playground equipment, and building a fence, among the tasks to solidify the new structure and area as a safe place for children to play.

The new playground structure replaces the park’s old equipment, which had been built in 1995, and despite a slight update 10 years later, was no longer up to mandatory safety standards.

The project, which was managed and organized by the Village of Medstead’s Playground Committee, was completed later in 2021 but was required to have an official grand opening due to receiving federal and provincial funding.

The new playground in Medstead’s Centennial Park, located near the corner of Second Ave. and Second St. (Submitted photo/Lora Hundt)

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The Government of Canada invested $42,379 toward the project and the Government of Saskatchewan contributed $35,312. The Village of Medstead funded the remainder.

Among those who spoke at the event was Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, Dominic LeBlanc, who talked about the value a new playground area can bring to the community.

“Playgrounds are at the heart of neighbourhoods right across the country,” LeBlanc said. “Our government is proud to be a partner with the Government of Saskatchewan and the Village of Medstead to make this project a reality – one that will make a big difference in the lives of families and children in the community.”

MLA for Cut Knife-Turtleford, Ryan Domotor, who spoke on behalf of Saskatchewan’s Minister of Government Relations, Don McMorris, said as part of his speech, the addition of the new playground area serves as a boon to the community.

“It helps position Medstead as an attractive place to live, provides recreational opportunities for youth and strengthens the heart of the community by creating a central place where families can gather,” he said.

Also speaking at the grand opening, was the Mayor of Medstead, Michael Goosney, who said the new playground would not have been possible without the hard work and collaborative effort of many.

“Thanks to funding from both the Government of Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan, along with support of our village council, support from our community, along with the dedicated volunteers and members of our playground committee, this project is now a reality to be enjoyed by all of the families and children who call Medstead home,” Goosney said.

“I’m proud of the work our village accomplished to help make our community even better for the young families moving here and wish to once again thank everyone involved.”

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1