Clarke’s Beach playground upgrades still up in the air

By Local Journalism Reporter Olivia Bradbury

The Town of Clarke’s Beach has decided to submit a second application to use funds for upgrades at the local playground.

The upgrades were discussed at the council’s previous meeting on August 5, when a discussion arose about using money that had been approved for matting to be spent on new equipment instead.

At council’s September 1 meeting, Town clerk Joan Crawford said the government confirmed they can use the funding for playground equipment but would need to cancel the original funding application and submit a new one.

A motion to cancel the original application was moved by councillor Keegan Healey and seconded by councillor Jim Giles. Crawford added that the government will also require quotes for the equipment the Town wants to purchase.

Giles wondered whether matting will be included with the new equipment, noting that the terrain of the playground is difficult for small children and strollers to navigate.

Deputy Mayor Stephen Dawe, who was chairing the meeting in Mayor Danielle Bussey’s absence, said he assumed it would be included.

Crawford, however, said the Town will only get the equipment for which they apply. She suggested that if council still wished to install matting at the playground, it keep the original funding application in place and submit a separate application for the equipment. Crawford added that she will check with the government to confirm such a plan is acceptable.