Playground Enhancement Program

☀️ Program Overview

Many of the playgrounds in Wetaskiwin are beyond their lifespan and are no longer safe. The City has a plan to renovate and replace the playgrounds over time, as budget and community engagement allows. This project aims to enhance the existing playgrounds throughout Wetaskiwin, ensuring they are safe, accessible and reachable, and inclusive for all children and families. Improvements will focus on updating equipment, increasing accessibility, and creating a more engaging and sustainable outdoor space.

Playgrounds are an important part of childhood. They encourage children of all ages to explore, use their imagination, and take controlled risks. The City of Wetaskiwin — in partnership with neighbourhoods, community organizations, and local businesses — is beginning to plan for the redevelopment of your neighbourhood parks and play spaces.


💬 Public Engagement

This input survey is just the first part of the community consultation process. As the planning progresses, there will be additional opportunities to provide input into the concept, design, and implementation of the project. Thank you for sharing your ideas; we look forward to collaborating with you to make Wetaskiwin's play spaces fun for ALL ages and stages!

CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE SURVEY


🛠️ Information on Equipment Removal

Over the years, playground safety standards have evolved to better protect children from injury. What was once considered acceptable may no longer meet today’s guidelines for safety and risk prevention. As part of our commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all children, we are removing certain pieces of playground equipment — not because they are old, but because they no longer meet current safety standards. This decision is about putting safety first, and ensuring that our play spaces reflect the most up-to-date understanding of how to keep kids safe while they play.




❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Why are playgrounds being removed? Playgrounds are removed only when equipment is no longer safe to use. This decision is not about how old the equipment looks, whether the park is popular, or because of litter or maintenance. It’s also not about making play less exciting or limiting children’s experiences. The sole reason for removal is safety — to make sure children, families, and residents of all ages can enjoy play spaces without risk of serious injury.

Which playgrounds will be renovated first? Playgrounds will be prioritized based on safety concerns, condition of equipment, level of community use, and available funding. Updates on removals and new builds will be shared with the community. At this time, our priority is to install an Indigenous-inspired playground at Peace Hills Park, a unique and culturally significant space in Wetaskiwin. The City is committed to ensuring that any updates or enhancements here are Indigenous-inspired and reflect the traditions, stories, and values of the land. We will be seeking guidance from local Elders and working in partnership with the Four Nations to ensure that this park remains a culturally sacred, welcoming, and meaningful space for the entire community.

How will the City fund the Playground Enhancement Program? For 2025, funding will come from the allocated "Playground Modernization" budget. Looking ahead, City staff are always exploring potential grants, sponsorships, and partnerships with local businesses and community organizations.

Will all playgrounds be replaced with the same type of equipment? No. Each space will be designed to reflect the needs and character of its neighbourhood. Features may include inclusive equipment, natural play elements, or updated structures depending on the space and feedback received. This is where YOU come in: we want to hear your ideas on unique and engaging spaces, so please complete the input survey, or reach out to City staff!

How long will renovations take? Timelines vary depending on the size of the project and available budget. Smaller projects may take a few weeks, while larger playground rebuilds could take several months. For larger and new builds, we anticipate a three-year timeline per play space (Year 1: community engagement and design; Year 2: request for tender and securing contractors; Year 3: secure funding and build). Ideally, every playground that is removed could be replaced immediately, but that isn’t always feasible. Each project depends on available budget, construction timelines, and the planning work required. The City also wants to make sure we take the time to involve residents, community groups, and local partners so that the replacement equipment truly reflects what the neighbourhood needs and wants. While this may mean there is a gap between removal and replacement, the goal is to create a space that is safe, effective, and valued for years to come.

☀️ Program Overview

Many of the playgrounds in Wetaskiwin are beyond their lifespan and are no longer safe. The City has a plan to renovate and replace the playgrounds over time, as budget and community engagement allows. This project aims to enhance the existing playgrounds throughout Wetaskiwin, ensuring they are safe, accessible and reachable, and inclusive for all children and families. Improvements will focus on updating equipment, increasing accessibility, and creating a more engaging and sustainable outdoor space.

Playgrounds are an important part of childhood. They encourage children of all ages to explore, use their imagination, and take controlled risks. The City of Wetaskiwin — in partnership with neighbourhoods, community organizations, and local businesses — is beginning to plan for the redevelopment of your neighbourhood parks and play spaces.


💬 Public Engagement

This input survey is just the first part of the community consultation process. As the planning progresses, there will be additional opportunities to provide input into the concept, design, and implementation of the project. Thank you for sharing your ideas; we look forward to collaborating with you to make Wetaskiwin's play spaces fun for ALL ages and stages!

CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE SURVEY


🛠️ Information on Equipment Removal

Over the years, playground safety standards have evolved to better protect children from injury. What was once considered acceptable may no longer meet today’s guidelines for safety and risk prevention. As part of our commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all children, we are removing certain pieces of playground equipment — not because they are old, but because they no longer meet current safety standards. This decision is about putting safety first, and ensuring that our play spaces reflect the most up-to-date understanding of how to keep kids safe while they play.




❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Why are playgrounds being removed? Playgrounds are removed only when equipment is no longer safe to use. This decision is not about how old the equipment looks, whether the park is popular, or because of litter or maintenance. It’s also not about making play less exciting or limiting children’s experiences. The sole reason for removal is safety — to make sure children, families, and residents of all ages can enjoy play spaces without risk of serious injury.

Which playgrounds will be renovated first? Playgrounds will be prioritized based on safety concerns, condition of equipment, level of community use, and available funding. Updates on removals and new builds will be shared with the community. At this time, our priority is to install an Indigenous-inspired playground at Peace Hills Park, a unique and culturally significant space in Wetaskiwin. The City is committed to ensuring that any updates or enhancements here are Indigenous-inspired and reflect the traditions, stories, and values of the land. We will be seeking guidance from local Elders and working in partnership with the Four Nations to ensure that this park remains a culturally sacred, welcoming, and meaningful space for the entire community.

How will the City fund the Playground Enhancement Program? For 2025, funding will come from the allocated "Playground Modernization" budget. Looking ahead, City staff are always exploring potential grants, sponsorships, and partnerships with local businesses and community organizations.

Will all playgrounds be replaced with the same type of equipment? No. Each space will be designed to reflect the needs and character of its neighbourhood. Features may include inclusive equipment, natural play elements, or updated structures depending on the space and feedback received. This is where YOU come in: we want to hear your ideas on unique and engaging spaces, so please complete the input survey, or reach out to City staff!

How long will renovations take? Timelines vary depending on the size of the project and available budget. Smaller projects may take a few weeks, while larger playground rebuilds could take several months. For larger and new builds, we anticipate a three-year timeline per play space (Year 1: community engagement and design; Year 2: request for tender and securing contractors; Year 3: secure funding and build). Ideally, every playground that is removed could be replaced immediately, but that isn’t always feasible. Each project depends on available budget, construction timelines, and the planning work required. The City also wants to make sure we take the time to involve residents, community groups, and local partners so that the replacement equipment truly reflects what the neighbourhood needs and wants. While this may mean there is a gap between removal and replacement, the goal is to create a space that is safe, effective, and valued for years to come.

QUALITY vs QUANTITY: would fewer playgrounds, but of higher play value, still feel like a win for our community?

Yes
17%
No
83%
Total Votes : 6
Vote
Page last updated: 29 Aug 2025, 02:37 PM