The Swan Ave Park project is a Healthy Kimberley initiative with the goal to create a space that encourages people to play, socialize, and be healthy. It has been in the works since 2018 when a group of Swan Sub residents discussed the idea with neighbours, then joined Healthy Kimberley, and proposed it to City of Kimberley Council and staff.
The intention is to enhance an under-utilized existing City green space by installing natural features that foster physical literacy for users of all ages. This well-designed park will appeal to children, families, and seniors with its use of natural elements that match the style of our town. As a neighbourhood park, local residents can meet for a picnic, playdate, and physical activity while enjoying the surrounding views and aesthetic appeal of the park. The location is proximal to the downtown core as well as several residential neighbourhoods, and part of the active transportation network throughout town. In winter, the improved features such as a covered gazebo and seating options will enhance the existing Swan Ave rink.
The current park design has gone through many iterations following input from residents, park planners, physical literacy experts, City staff, and more. The Park Committee hired a park designer to come up with potential features and designs. These were presented at a public engagement session in October 2019. With a bouncy castle, face painter, and free food from Save-On, over 250 community members reviewed the potential park designs and provided their input. People wanted a nice place to meet with friends, a safe playground for kids, and challenging features for older kids and adults. Following discussions with City staff and adjacent property owners, the grand design was scaled back to minimize potential noise disturbance. As this is to be a neighbourhood park, it is assumed that most users will be able to walk to the site which will reduce parking concerns.
The intention is to enhance an under-utilized existing City green space by installing natural features that foster physical literacy for users of all ages. This well-designed park will appeal to children, families, and seniors with its use of natural elements that match the style of our town. As a neighbourhood park, local residents can meet for a picnic, playdate, and physical activity while enjoying the surrounding views and aesthetic appeal of the park. The location is proximal to the downtown core as well as several residential neighbourhoods, and part of the active transportation network throughout town. In winter, the improved features such as a covered gazebo and seating options will enhance the existing Swan Ave rink.
The current park design has gone through many iterations following input from residents, park planners, physical literacy experts, City staff, and more. The Park Committee hired a park designer to come up with potential features and designs. These were presented at a public engagement session in October 2019. With a bouncy castle, face painter, and free food from Save-On, over 250 community members reviewed the potential park designs and provided their input. People wanted a nice place to meet with friends, a safe playground for kids, and challenging features for older kids and adults. Following discussions with City staff and adjacent property owners, the grand design was scaled back to minimize potential noise disturbance. As this is to be a neighbourhood park, it is assumed that most users will be able to walk to the site which will reduce parking concerns.
Community Engagement Event to review potential park features and designs Oct 5, 2019
The final park design incorporates many features that physical literacy experts consider important for stimulating movement and social interactions for all users. The gazebo, benches, picnic tables, and social circle will encourage people to connect and engage. There is a sandbox area with loose play items to foster creative imaginations. A two-bay timber frame swing set is attractive and fun for everyone. The log-climber feature will be designed to challenge users with a variety of logs to climb and balance on. The 150 foot long timber frame zipline will provide a fun element of speed. The existing basketball court will remain in place and is expected to have more use as part of the overall park experience. The park will continue to be used in winter with the community rink enhanced with the gazebo for putting on skates.
The Park Committee has secured almost $120,000 in funding from a variety of grants. Community partners have committed approximately $50,000 of in-kind support, and several people have expressed interest in helping with volunteer work parties. A local construction company has developed a construction budget of $190,000 and a timeline with work commencing in May, 2022. The Swan Ave Park is ready for construction and just needs a final funding push to ensure we can do it right!
The Park Committee has secured almost $120,000 in funding from a variety of grants. Community partners have committed approximately $50,000 of in-kind support, and several people have expressed interest in helping with volunteer work parties. A local construction company has developed a construction budget of $190,000 and a timeline with work commencing in May, 2022. The Swan Ave Park is ready for construction and just needs a final funding push to ensure we can do it right!
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This exciting initiative needs your support!
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