The surveys are in. Boyle Street community members have shared their vision for a new playground, which will be to be built just outside The Quarters district.

Boyle Street’s new play space – located next to the Boyle Street Plaza and Melcor YMCA Welcome Village – will complement Kinistinâw Park, a neighbourhood green space located one block south along 96 Street. Kinistinâw Park features a contemporary design, which is meant to be enjoyed by people of all ages, but does not include traditional playground equipment.

The Boyle Street playground survey presented two concepts. The first features standard playground elements, such as slides, ramps, and ladders. The second features natural play elements such as rocks and logs for climbing. While the majority of survey participants favoured the naturalized design, 94 percent of survey respondents said it was important to incorporate traditional playground functions, such as swings and slides.

Survey responses, which came from community members of all ages, also emphasized safety features, such as fencing and clear sightlines, as well as equipment that can be enjoyed by children of all ages.

The Boyle Street playground will be funded through a City of Edmonton grant, matched by funds from the Quarters Community Revitalization Levy and the Boyle Street Community League. Work on a draft design for the park has already begun and will be refined further, based on community feedback, later this year.

Joelle Reiniger is Vice President of the Boyle Street Community League.

*****
Message from the BSCL Board: During this time of physical and social distancing, we recognize, more than ever, our need for community. We are social beings and we must find new ways to connect for Boyle Street to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic as a healthy neighbourhood. If you have some time to spare, please consider volunteering for the Boyle Street Community League. Let’s put our heads together and find creative ways to lift each other up for a stronger, healthier, more resilient community.

To get involved, go to boylestreetcl.com and click on “I want to volunteer.” If you are new to Boyle Street or haven’t already joined the community league, you can sign up from our home page as well. Memberships are free.