The District of Mission is investing more than $850,000 into new play structures and other equipment for local parks.
These investments focus on the most important upgrades and improvements identified through multiple rounds of consultation with the community in developing the Parks, Recreation, Arts & Culture Master Plan.
Playground work includes:
• A new play structure for two to five year olds at Blott Park;
• Replacing the structure for five to 12 year olds at Kinsmen West;
• Replacing the structure for five to12 year olds at Kinsmen East with a fire-themed structure with the support of the Mission Fire Fighters Charitable Society;
• Replacing the structure for five to 12 year olds at Fenn Park;
• A new multi-age structure for the east side of Hatzic Park and;
• A new multi-age structure for Fraser River Heritage Park.
A fourth tennis court is being added to the Centennial Park tennis courts with the financial support of the Mission Tennis Club; and the Hillside tennis courts are being resurfaced and Pickle Ball lines are being added to the courts.
Other projects include:
• A new 20x40 shelter at Griner Park with the existing shelter to be relocated to another park;
• New irrigation systems at the Leisure Centre and Hatzic Park ball fields;
• Replacing the College Heights boardwalk;
• Replacing the parking lot fencing at the west lot at Hatzic Park;
• Slope stabilization, resurfacing and fencing to allow Lane Creek Trail to reopen and;
• Design projects including the first stage of the redesign of the scattering garden at Hatzic Cemetery and the Spray Park recirculation system.
Safety improvements at the Leisure Centre are also on the books for 2018.
A new chiller at the south plant will reduce the ammonia charge from 750 to 200 pounds, and new exhaust fans for both plants will improve safety.
These come on the heels of the replacement of the south plant ammonia condenser and the ongoing roof replacement project.
“Several years ago our council pledged to find ways to enhance parks for children and families near where they live,” explained Mayor Randy Hawes.
“It has taken time to find the funds but we are pleased to now be able to deliver on our pledge. There are a number of additional planned investments that will be announced in future.”