KIRKLAND LAKE - The playground installation in Chaput Hughes is now complete, offering a new space for community members to enjoy.
Kirkland Lake says staff will deliver a picnic bench later this week.
Chaput Hughes playground, a project that’s been years in the making, faced several delays prior to its grand opening.
At the June 18, 2024, council meeting, CAO Alan Smith gave a final update about the progress of the playground.
RELATED: Chaput Hughes playground set to open next month
According to Smith, equipment for the playground was ordered in September 2023 from Henderson Recreation Equipment Limited.
“During that time, the owner retired and there's been changes to the operations which slowed down things a little bit. The equipment was shipped to the complex on May 17 of this year,” he said.
Henderson Recreation Equipment Limited contracted the installation out to CRCS Recreation, a Greater Sudbury-based company, Smith said. City staff met with the company on June 17 and provided the company with the necessary information for installation.
As of June 18, the total projected cost of the project is $43,918, which is $8,300 more than the $35,616 budgeted. The shortfall is being covered by the savings from a lighting project, which was placed in a reserve fund.
A small focus group of parents with young children helped look at different options for the playground.
The option chosen includes a PlayFIT structure (slide, transfer station, steering wheel panel, rudder climber and wave slide), a double ridge rock climber, a free-standing mini airplane panel, free-standing bongo panel and a free-standing chime wave panel.
The town also plans to add benches, however, a fence is not currently being planned.
