THE City of Delta is set to break ground on a playground expansion at North Delta Recreation Centre in July, delivering an exciting new inclusive amenity to the community.
The project is the result of a longtime partnership between the City of Delta and the REACH Child and Youth Development Society and is funded in part by grants from the Province of British Columbia and Tire Stewardship BC. The playground upgrade will include the expansion, relocation, and addition of play features in an environment that prioritizes and optimizes accessibility. Some of the new features include a rubber playground surface with tricycle track, a play boat and hut, drum, seesaw, in-ground trampoline, climbing structure, and a crawl-through acorn structure.
“As we work to create a more inclusive community, ensuring our public spaces are accessible for as many people as possible is a top priority. In working with our partners at REACH, we can construct a beautiful new playground outside one of our busiest facilities that suits the diverse needs of our community and creates a space where everyone can participate,” says Delta Mayor George V. Harvie.
After receiving a request to expand the playground from REACH, the City of Delta launched a public engagement to determine the scope of the project. The results of the engagement found the surrounding community was largely in favour of the proposed park features. The project is expected to cost $400,000, the majority of which is funded by the Province of British Columbia’s Community Gaming Grant Program ($201,372), money raised by REACH and donated by the Tasty Indian Bistro and the BC Aboriginal Society ($68,000), and a BC Tire Stewardship Grant ($21,420). In addition to providing the space and construction management, the City of Delta also contributed $150,000.
“The proposed playground will be fenced, have shade trees, picnic tables and benches for the comfort of adults as well as the rest of the family and caregivers. For the kids, they propose a circular track with rubber surfacing to allow rolling toys or wheelchairs. The equipment to be added is culturally and disability inclusive. My daughter Olivia used to rely on a walker for her mobility challenges, and inclusive playgrounds were crucial for her development. When she is able to keep up with her friends and little sister, it fills my heart with joy to see her independence blossoming. Watching her navigate the playground with determination and a beaming smile on her face reminds me of her incredible strength and resilience,” says Amy Bonner, parent and recipient of REACH services.
REACH has operated out of North Delta Recreation Centre since 2015. Their programs have benefitted close to 2,000 children annually, providing therapies for children with disabilities to assist in communication, as well as fine and gross motor skills. While the enhanced playground will be used partly for REACH and the City‘s programming, the public will have full access to the new equipment.
Construction begins in early July with completion scheduled for fall 2025.
Learn more about this project at letstalk.delta.ca/ndrcplayground.
