ATHABASCA — Hees Estates families who've noticed the whole in the ground where the playground used to be will soon be able to explore and enjoy a new playset, slated to be installed in early June.
The playground in the neighbourhood was roped off with caution tape May 12, and the old wooden structure has since been removed. Public Works foreman Graeme Douglas filled town councillors in on the proposed plans for the playpark during their May 6 regular council meeting.
Parks Foreman Warren Zyla said the aging playset has needed attention and repairs in previous years, and a recent check of the underground supports pointed toward even more.
“A few years ago we had to replace the swing sets because the posts were rotten and they were wobbly. There are a few posts on the other structures that are starting to get wobbly, so I dug down in the sand, and they’re definitely getting soft. It’s time to replace everything.”
According to Zyla’s May report to town councillors, the new playpark was designed by Sherwood Park-based company Canadian Recreation Solutions, and will resemble the playground in Wood Heights.
The price tag for the playground plus installation comes in at $80,000, an expense approved in the 2025 capital budget. Town staff will be responsible for the removal of the current structure and preparation for installation of the new one, which involves digging the site down by a foot.
Coun. Dave Pacholok inquired as to whether any of the old playset can be salvaged or sold; Douglas said, apart from the large slide, which may be installed at another town playground, little use can be made of the rest.
“When they put that playground in, they meant it. Those posts are all concreted in and there’s not going to be much left when we pull it out,” said Douglas.
All nine town-operated playground sites are slated to be reviewed by a safety inspector.
