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Proposed Prince George mega park to get $1.1M accessible playground

Canadian Tire and Jumpstart are gifting a fully accessible playground to the project
jumpstart playground
An example of an inclusive Jumpstart playground.

A new destination park planned for Prince George not only has support from city council but will now also include a $1.1 million dollar inclusive playground thanks to funding from Canadian Tire and Jumpstart.

The park, which is a project led by the Prince George Community Foundation, the Rotary Club of Prince George and Hell Yeah Prince George’s David Mothus, is intended to be a destination for the entire community.

The scope of the project also includes a BMX pump track, a junior and teen adventure park, senior-friendly outdoor fitness equipment, and a splash pad.

“The idea and vision is that you can bring your entire family down to this park and there is something for everyone regardless of your age or level of ability,” Mindy Stroet, Director of Development, Prince George Community Foundation told Prince George City Council during its Monday night public meeting.

“This will be something that will be accessible by everyone regardless of age or ability, so that is why I am really excited to share with you that Jumpstart and Canadian Tire have committed to building an all-inclusive playground for Prince George as part of this project,” said Stroet.

This commitment is separate and in addition to the $500,000 accessibility-friendly multi-sport park that Jumpstart is gifting the city to be located at Carrie Jane Gray Park announced back in the fall of 2021. 

“This playground will be inclusive for all levels and ages and ability and will be completely donated by Jumpstart and Canadian Tire Prince George,” said Stroet.

“Jumpstart has also offered to work with our project team to look at other accessibility options for other components of our playground.”

She explained the project leads have met with city administration for advice on the initial process and have also worked with Colliers and Access Engineering on initial project plans and budget, but attended council to ask for the city’s support to engage in a public consultation process.

The public consultation process would help determine an appropriate location and inform the design plans needed for the project.

“Our hope is that we can come back to council in early summer with detailed design plans and an updated budget,” added Stroet.

The rough estimated budget for the scope project at this point is $2.8 million, which includes the $1.1 million that is fully funded from Canadian Tire and Jumpstart.

However, the group has already raised 45 per cent of the project costs, despite not having actively fundraised for this project other than the Prince George Cougars Mega 50/50 jackpot which brought in over $187,000 in one night.

“I think really speaks to the level of support from this project in the community,” said Stroet. “I hope we can work together with the city and make this a reality for our community.”

She added that the group is actively working behind the scenes to engage community partners and ensure the project is successful.

“It is exciting and there has been a buzz in the community after the announcement,” said Coun. Kyle Sampson.

“I think the next step is fantastic for city staff to work with the group to identify a location and that is what is needed then we can work together as a group.”

Coun. Susan Scott noted she was feeling a bit hesitant about the project and was eager for more information regarding ongoing costs.

“I am concerned about the long-term implications of this to our city budget, so going forward I will be looking for more information about the annual maintenance and replacement costs to all of these elements because that will fall back to us,” said Scott.  

“I support this going forward in order to gather that information.”

A recommendation to direct city administration to continue to work on this project and bring back the next steps to council at an appropriate time was then approved unanimously around the horseshoe.