TIMMINS - Children in Schumacher have an upgraded place to play.
As part of the City of Timmins master recreation plan, the playground at the corner of 4th Avenue and Boundary Lane in Schumacher has been upgraded with a new play structure and boulders to keep traffic at a safe distance. The equipment is also easily accessible for children of all ages and abilities.
Landscaping the area and adding a picnic table are still underway, said City of Timmins facilities and recreation manager Lynne Grenon.
“We’re making them more inclusive because a lot of them are just old school,” she said. “We just want to wait for them to finish the grass, but then we’ll put a picnic table in so there’s more seating for the parents.”
The city installed a new swing set at the park under the 2022-23 recreation budget.
The new play structure, with monkey bars and a slide, was installed by Park N Play Design Co. Ltd.
The upgrades cost approximately $50,000, which was covered by the recreation department's 2024 budget.
“It’s all about improving the quality of life for our residents,” said Mayor Michelle Boileau. “It’s about ensuring safety, so it’s important to make sure we’re always upgrading the equipment, that we’re using the latest technologies and materials, but also that we’re providing play areas that are inclusive and accessible to kids of all abilities and all ages.”
Coun. Bill Gvozdanovic is glad that there has been a push to improve these family spaces, and he acknowledged the work of former councillor Joe Campbell in getting things moving.
“He was the one that pushed for this,” Gvozdanovic said. “And anything positive for the kids. My background is in recreation, so anything for the kids.”
The city has recently opened newly refurbished pickleball courts in Mountjoy, and there are plans to upgrade Roy Nicholson Park as well.
“Roy Nicholson is getting a whole new playground,” said Grenon.
Gvozdanovic did test the slide in the play area and said it was fast.
“Too quick for me, that’s my last slide,” he said.
