Report shows 58 of Sudbury's 189 playgrounds in poor condition

Sudbury city council has asked staff to suggest ways to finance improvements to playgrounds after learning 58 play structures need replacement in the next five years because they are in poor condition.

The cost of upgrading all playground equipment would be $2,320,000, according to a report that rated the city's 189 playgrounds and tot lots as poor, satisfactory and good.

The report showed 45 playgrounds have older structures that will need replacement within the next 10 years, and 89 are newly installed and are expected last at least 20 years. 

"This is the one chance we've got to take our entire city and have an impact across the city," councillor Robert Kirwan said.

'City standard' 

"If staff can come up with an innovative way of funding this, so it's not a burden to the city, then at the end of the day we can say, 'Look at our city. It doesn't matter where you live, doesn't matter how much you make, it doesn't matter if you're in social housing or you're in a million dollar house. When you walk to your playground, it's at a city standard.'"

The report also noted that the revitalization of a playground site has an average cost of $40,000, which could vary depending on size.

Councillor Joscelyne Landry-Altmann wants to see a sun shade policy implemented at city parks. 

"It's important that we keep our kids protected from the sun, she said.

"A lot of the structures that we have now do not have any shade structures at all."

Meanwhile, Councillor Evelyn Dutrisac wants to make sure public consultation takes place. 

"We have playgrounds for children, but we've developed playgrounds for seniors in some of ward four," she said. 

"I think that we need to get back to our community to see the real needs."

A report on how to enhance Sudbury's playgrounds is expected in the coming months.