Joanne McQuarrie, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | [email protected]
With the playground equipment already in place, the Lions Park was a great place to run, jump, balance, swing and slide.聽
But a recently-installed section ups the fun factor at the park.
"It's upper body climbing equipment, [designed] for children ages five to 12," said Dave Neilson, Jasper Lions Club vice president.
That includes monkey bars, artificial trees with spiral staircases and a balance board called a snake.
The Lions Club chose a set-up that specifically promotes a different form of exercise. The new equipment sits between playgrounds that have been in place for over 30 years.
"It has been three years in the making, replacing old equipment that was condemned," Neilson said.
The new equipment cost close to $27,000, including shipping, paid for by the Lions.聽
Getting the area ready and setting up the new playground from July 9 to 13 was the result of the collective efforts of Jasper Concrete Ltd., Aspen Ridge Contracting and Consulting, and M&M Safety, who donated tree removal services.聽
Aspen Ridge completed their part of the operation on July 13.
St茅phane Drouin-Moreland, playground installer with the company, said: "Installation definitely went as well as we could hope for, given the ground conditions," referring to the removal of huge boulders before pilings could be put in.聽
"It gave us an opportunity to improvise and come up with new techniques to deal with the rocky ground.鈥�
Drouin-Moreland said the community was 鈥渁bsolutely terrific to work with鈥�.
"Everyone has been incredibly friendly, with great hospitality,鈥� he said.
Neilson, who oversaw the replacement, said, "I'm quite excited the community will have new equipment to play on."
The park isn't open yet. There are a few more finishing touches to be done, including landscaping the new site but it is expected to open soon. Watch for notices of opening.聽
