Cancelled fireworks light up safety improvements at Paradise playground
By Mark Squibb
Paradise council has decided to fence the Lanark Drive playground and basketball court, citing an increase in the number of children using the facility and an increase in road traffic.
Staff solicited quotes from three fencing contactors for the supply and installation of 65 metres of 1.2-metre-high chain link fence, and received one quote in return – $8,372, plus HST, courtesy of Provincial Fence Products Ltd. All told, the installation will cost $9,627.
Two sections will be left open, and if required gates will be installed in 2027. The cost of one gate was included in the quote, while the second gate would come at an additional cost.
“All of council, I’m sure, has heard from several residents in that area, that it’s a very busy playground with the Adam’s Pond trail network there as well,” said councillor Jennifer Hiscock. “I know I spend many-a-night picking up my children from that playground and driving them to that playground. It’s a great area, the kids really enjoy it there, but it is really dangerous when it comes to children just running out to get into cars and parents lining up to pick up their kids. There is a sense of danger there for sure, and I think this fencing is a great idea.”
Councillor Glen Carew said the intention of the fence is to direct the flow of foot traffic towards the Adam’s Pond Trail and away from the roadway.
“It’s a beehive of activity every time I’m down there,” said Carew. “This fence will keep these little kiddies contained where the small park is and of course if they want to get out, they’ll have to walk back to the trail and cross the crosswalk to the other side of Lanark Drive.”
The fence is expected to be up within four to six weeks, and the playground will be closed during installation.
The fence was not budgeted for, and funds have to be reallocated from the recreation department’s operating budget. Specially, the money had been earmarked for Canada Day fireworks. The fireworks did not go ahead because of a provincial fire ban.
“I guess the loss of the fireworks is a boon for the residents over on Lanark Drive,” quipped councillor Sheldon Antle.
Members of council also stressed that parents should remind their children to look both ways before crossing the street, and Hiscock recommended children wear bright clothing at the playground, especially if they are going to be playing late.