After vandals damaged the playground at Elks Park with fire a few years ago, there has been talk of what to do to replace the facility. Repairs were made, but many were hoping something new could be added to the greenspace. Thursday morning, the City of Weyburn unveiled the new accessible play structure in the park that had been worked on through the summer, complete with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by the community, Mayor Debra Button, and the Parks Committee.

Featuring ramps to make it easier for all children to get to various features, it was quick to win the seal of approval of a number of the kids who came out for the ribbon cutting ceremony.

“I like where the ramp, where you can go up and then stop here, and there’s a rock wall you can climb up,” explained Brittany Barber, who took in the opening with her grandfather Mal Barber. She was one of a number of children who were enjoying the facility.

The city had included the cost of the park in the 2016 budget, but there was some contention over the final design, as it did leave out an accessible swing, due to the cost. There are plans to add a swing on as a phase two, but that will need to be budgeted for in 2017, unless the city can find a sponsor to help with the cost.

In terms of the accessible features, they were getting praise from parents, as well as the children who were on the play structure. Deirdre Hader came out with her son Xavier, who has Down Syndrome. The toddler was quick to explore all the features of the park, with his mother smiling as she watched.

“Xavier just started walking this month, so it’s really easy for him to get around on the park,” Hader said. “I have just been counting down the days until they opened it, and waiting a little impatiently because we live just around the corner.”

The structure has a number of features that appeal to all children, whether they have a disability or not. The surface is made out of recycled rubber, with multiple layers which help to create a soft surface which is almost spring-like. The old rubber that was used at the Elks Park playground previously has been re-used by the city, with the surface being transferred over to the playground on Laing Crescent.