by Sylene Argent
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held last Wednesday afternoon to officially open Townsview Park (155 Morris Drive, located off Maidstone Avenue in Essex Centre).
“This is great news,” Mayor Larry Snively said, with the golden pair of scissors in his hand, as he prepared to lead the ribbon cutting. “It is great to see more subdivisions.”
Snively thanked members of the Essex Accessibility Advisory Committee and other supporters for their help on the project. “I want to congratulate you on your hard work.
“The kids are going to love it,” he said.
The playground is open for youth to use, however, some benches, fencing, and grass are still to be added to the area.
The new playground includes a rock wall, swings, a slide, an accessible rubber surface, as well as an accessible swing donated by The Essex Policing Committee.
Based on criteria set-forth in the Town’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan, the new playground was needed for the developing subdivision.
According to Essex Director of Community Services, Doug Sweet, part of the reasoning behind incorporating parks is to create opportunities for active living for all residents, which improves the quality of life, incorporates some green space, and provides an opportunity for residents to meet their neighbours.
New World Park Solutions was awarded the tender for the park after receiving input from the community.
The park was paid for through Development Charges from the subdivision. It costed around $200,000 to install.