(file photo/battlefordsNOW staff)

By Angela Brown

Mobility accessible

City discusses Liberty Swing installation plans

Apr 13, 2021 | 8:48 AM

Families with children using a wheelchair will now have more opportunities for play.

The City of North Battleford reported plans to install the new Liberty Swing during council’s meeting Monday, as part of the Natural Play Space program at Centennial Park in North Battleford.

Parks and Recreation director Cheryl DeNeire announced the city will be able to provide in-kind labour, while Battlefords Early Childhood Intervention Program (BECIP) is able to make a financial contribution to complete the work.

BECIP purchased the Liberty Swing that accommodates children using a wheelchair for about $28,000 in 2020 for the Natural Play Space, which is a partnership program between BECIP and the city.

The installation work is comprehensive, involving site preparation, a six-inch depth road crush, excavation work, installing rubber around the base, and adding fencing with a gate around the structure.

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Initially BECIP estimated costs for the installation would be from $25,000 to $40,000, based on two quotes received, that it hoped could be reduced by partnering with the city.

DeNeire said city parks manager Gordon Whitton managed to bring the cost down.

“He stepped in as project manager and has been able to reduce the quote to approximately $20,000 for the full install that includes an in-kind labour of $2,500 from the city parks staff,” she said.

DeNeire said the city received confirmation from the BECIP board of directors that they can cover the $20,000 of expenses on its own.

“Parks staff will prepare the site and assemble the swing before handing their installation to the contractors,” she said.

The new swing will be inspected monthly for safety compliance, and will be maintained as needed.

Mayor David Gillan was pleased to see the installation plans had been resolved.

“Good work,” he said.

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

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