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New playground coming to North Bay’s downtown waterfront

'The addition of a playground in this location will further enhance an already popular community space that we hope families will enjoy for years to come'
BayToday Staff

A new inclusive playground in the downtown waterfront for children and their families to enjoy this spring. The City and the Rotary Clubs of North Bay and North Bay-Nipissing have partnered up to build a nautical-themed playground which will feature two free-standing play structures

A Request for Tender (RFT) closed earlier this month for the construction which will be located onsite and integrated with the Family of Rotary Splash Pad. A contract will be brought before Council for approval on March 28, with work expected to get underway in early spring.

“The addition of a playground in this location will further enhance an already popular community space that we hope families will enjoy for years to come," said Coun. Lana Mitchell, Chair of Infrastructure and Operations. 

The new park will include a logging boat and lighthouse – and an accessible rubber safety surface, sensory play centre, seating areas, lighting and landscaping.

“This project is a wonderful example of what can be accomplished when the City works with other levels of government and forges partnerships with the community," said Coun. Justine Mallah, Chair of Community Services. "This new playground will be another attraction that will add vibrancy to our Downtown Waterfront."

Guided by consultations held during the creation of City Parks Master Plan, the project is expected to cost approximately $1.2 million and is being supported by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, which is providing $437,693, as well as the Rotary Clubs of North Bay and North Bay-Nipissing, which are contributing $110,000. The local Rotary clubs also provided $500,000 in donated funds to support the construction of the Family of Rotary Splash Pad several years ago.

“The Rotary Club of North Bay and the Rotary Club of North Bay-Nipissing are thrilled to be partnering with the City once again by providing an additional funding commitment toward this new playground,” said Rotary spokesman Bill Hagborg. “The playground will be complementary to the Family of Rotary Splash Pad and will provide another accessible and attractive play area for children.”