The grand opening for the new playground in Ostler Park is set for 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 26.
“The SS Ostler is due to set sail ahead of schedule, and the city invites people to join us for the opening of the new pirate ship playground,” says Ross Milnthorp, the city’s general manager of parks, recreation and culture. “We expect this playground will become another popular draw for families to enjoy Campbell River’s downtown waterfront park.”
The new playground features rubber surfacing inlaid with an orca and a treasure map. The toddler area (for one to five-year-olds) is defined as an oasis while play equipment for older adventurers (up to 12 years) includes a pirate ship complete with spy glass.
“The playground was designed with accessibility in mind,” Milnthorp says. “Rubber surfacing provides enhanced accessibility, and much of the equipment is also specially designed to accommodate a variety of disabilities or physical limitations. The playground is linked to the Seagull Walkway with a pathway of beach mats making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.”
The Lion’s Club of Campbell River built the first playground at Ostler Park in 2001.
“When it became time to replace the equipment, we coordinated the change with a move to enhance safety by re-locating the play area farther away from the parking lot,” Milnthorp adds.
The playground was funded thanks in part to the Government of Canada’s Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) and Tire Stewardship BC (TSBC). The new playground represents the first phase of the Ostler Park Restoration Project. Construction of a pocket beach, upgrades to the storm drains and more accessible pathways is scheduled to begin in 2017.