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Construction is planned to commence June 30th for completion in Summer 2024. ___________________________________________________
Thank you to all provided comments on the concept plan for the Glebe Community Centre Play Structure.
We received 10 comments on the concept plans through the survey question. The 5 additional comments posted to the guestbook were also received through the survey.
Overall, seven (7) comments supported for the natural play elements and three (3) opposed.
Five (5) of the comments outlined a desire for a slide, which has been included in the designs.
Responding to specific requests/queries:
The stage area is a safety solution to the tripping hazard caused by surface roots of the mature linden tree. This ensures the area is safe for imaginative play, while preserving the health of the tree.
Engineered wood fiber is the City’s standard for accessible safety surfacing.
Climbing structures and/or rope climbers are out of scope for this project.
Drinking fountain is out of scope for this project.
______________________________________________
An application through the City’s Community Partnership Minor Capital Program was approved in Spring 2021 to update the play structure at Glebe Community Centre. Combined fundraising efforts from Glebe Neighbourhood Activities Group, Glebe Cooperative Nursery School, Ward 17 Cash in-Lieu of Parkland, and Community Partnership Funding was been compiled to proceed with the attached concept plan.
The new play structure includes naturalized play elements which promote both fine and gross motor skill development. Scope includes:
Log Play Hut
Sand Play
Natural Play Climber
Wood deck Stage
Chalk Board
Stepping stones in an accessible engineered wood fiber safety surface
Construction to occur Summer 2023. Specific dates will be provided following the tender process.
Please provide feedback on the attached concept plan by 3 February 2023.
Construction is planned to commence June 30th for completion in Summer 2024. ___________________________________________________
Thank you to all provided comments on the concept plan for the Glebe Community Centre Play Structure.
We received 10 comments on the concept plans through the survey question. The 5 additional comments posted to the guestbook were also received through the survey.
Overall, seven (7) comments supported for the natural play elements and three (3) opposed.
Five (5) of the comments outlined a desire for a slide, which has been included in the designs.
Responding to specific requests/queries:
The stage area is a safety solution to the tripping hazard caused by surface roots of the mature linden tree. This ensures the area is safe for imaginative play, while preserving the health of the tree.
Engineered wood fiber is the City’s standard for accessible safety surfacing.
Climbing structures and/or rope climbers are out of scope for this project.
Drinking fountain is out of scope for this project.
______________________________________________
An application through the City’s Community Partnership Minor Capital Program was approved in Spring 2021 to update the play structure at Glebe Community Centre. Combined fundraising efforts from Glebe Neighbourhood Activities Group, Glebe Cooperative Nursery School, Ward 17 Cash in-Lieu of Parkland, and Community Partnership Funding was been compiled to proceed with the attached concept plan.
The new play structure includes naturalized play elements which promote both fine and gross motor skill development. Scope includes:
Log Play Hut
Sand Play
Natural Play Climber
Wood deck Stage
Chalk Board
Stepping stones in an accessible engineered wood fiber safety surface
Construction to occur Summer 2023. Specific dates will be provided following the tender process.
Please provide feedback on the attached concept plan by 3 February 2023.
Please note comments left in guestbook are public. Do not include personal information in comments.
CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.
Given the size of the space (tiny!) and the age of the kids (pre-school), I think this is a great design that works for the kids who will be using it most often. Climbing structures would need to be shut down for winter, removing even more play space (just have a look at the kinder yard at Mutchmor). And a slide would need tons of clearance. There are lots of bigger kid play areas within a block, so I like that this one is just focused on natural play for the youngest kids. Mutchmor is due to redo its playground in the next few years and I think that swings/slides/climbers are best suited there, instead of this very limited space geared for our youngest kids.
OTownMom
almost 2 years ago
A new design should be submitted. This lacks any steps, a ladder, a slide, the hut offers none of the fun or opportunities of the play house with its high roof no walls or windows. You could just have four posts with the tree overhead. Giant rocks like this can often chip and degrade quickly. This really needs improvement.
Serena L
almost 2 years ago
Whereas I applaud the thought of a more 'natural' design, I think this is a step backwards in terms of gross motor imagination with the removal of any form of play structure. This seems similar to the newish natural children's park on Bank St. near Central Park. Esthetically it's lovely, but it only holds children's attention for a short while. My 3 children have spent hundreds of hours over 10 years at the current park, which they have loved. They would choose it over the Bank St. natural park for longevity (never any chalk, the stage is only novel for a little while with rare props). As a Pediatrician, when I inquire about preschool development I always ask such milestones as "can they climb the ladder/stairs at the play ground and coordinate coming down on the slide?" I would suggest incorporating a treehouse of sorts in one corner with a rope web to reach the cabin and then a slide down. I just don't think you'll achieve the new 'wow' factor you are hoping for. Across the street at Corpus Christi, the natural sections (stage, rock border) are not as well enjoyed as the slide and climbing web.
DrMommy
almost 2 years ago
I'm impressed with the creative design of the new play structure that allows lots of space for imaginative play and doesn't rely on traditional structures like slides and swings. In my experience having spent hours at a time at neighborhood playgrounds over the years, slides and swings can be at the center of conflict between children and often dissuade kids from creative play as they line up to wait for a turn. If anything, open, structure-free spaces will enable kids to use the playground all year round and avoid closures during winter months when built-up play structures may pose a safety risk with ice and snow build-up creating slippery surfaces.
JLaf
almost 2 years ago
It would be great if there was also a structure on which kids could climb or slide. I know that there is potential for fun with these other open-ended suggested play areas, in the same way that an empty room and a cardboard box has great potential, but a room with a slide and colour and gross mobility challenges can provide an avenue for even more fun without stiffeling the imagination. I think the huge emphasis on more structure-free kids play areas in recent years reflects more on the lack of imagination of adults to make something that captures the zany pizzaz and creative energy of our little people.
Given the size of the space (tiny!) and the age of the kids (pre-school), I think this is a great design that works for the kids who will be using it most often. Climbing structures would need to be shut down for winter, removing even more play space (just have a look at the kinder yard at Mutchmor). And a slide would need tons of clearance. There are lots of bigger kid play areas within a block, so I like that this one is just focused on natural play for the youngest kids. Mutchmor is due to redo its playground in the next few years and I think that swings/slides/climbers are best suited there, instead of this very limited space geared for our youngest kids.
A new design should be submitted. This lacks any steps, a ladder, a slide, the hut offers none of the fun or opportunities of the play house with its high roof no walls or windows. You could just have four posts with the tree overhead. Giant rocks like this can often chip and degrade quickly. This really needs improvement.
Whereas I applaud the thought of a more 'natural' design, I think this is a step backwards in terms of gross motor imagination with the removal of any form of play structure. This seems similar to the newish natural children's park on Bank St. near Central Park. Esthetically it's lovely, but it only holds children's attention for a short while. My 3 children have spent hundreds of hours over 10 years at the current park, which they have loved. They would choose it over the Bank St. natural park for longevity (never any chalk, the stage is only novel for a little while with rare props). As a Pediatrician, when I inquire about preschool development I always ask such milestones as "can they climb the ladder/stairs at the play ground and coordinate coming down on the slide?" I would suggest incorporating a treehouse of sorts in one corner with a rope web to reach the cabin and then a slide down. I just don't think you'll achieve the new 'wow' factor you are hoping for. Across the street at Corpus Christi, the natural sections (stage, rock border) are not as well enjoyed as the slide and climbing web.
I'm impressed with the creative design of the new play structure that allows lots of space for imaginative play and doesn't rely on traditional structures like slides and swings. In my experience having spent hours at a time at neighborhood playgrounds over the years, slides and swings can be at the center of conflict between children and often dissuade kids from creative play as they line up to wait for a turn. If anything, open, structure-free spaces will enable kids to use the playground all year round and avoid closures during winter months when built-up play structures may pose a safety risk with ice and snow build-up creating slippery surfaces.
It would be great if there was also a structure on which kids could climb or slide. I know that there is potential for fun with these other open-ended suggested play areas, in the same way that an empty room and a cardboard box has great potential, but a room with a slide and colour and gross mobility challenges can provide an avenue for even more fun without stiffeling the imagination. I think the huge emphasis on more structure-free kids play areas in recent years reflects more on the lack of imagination of adults to make something that captures the zany pizzaz and creative energy of our little people.