The playground in Sibelius Square in the heart of the Annex is about halfway through its major overhaul.
First conceived about five years ago, the reconstruction is significant for more than the extra fun bits it'll afford local kids.
"When I came in, Sibelius Square was the only park people were working on," says Adam Vaughan, who's been councilor for the ward since 2006. He then proceeds to list the parks that have since followed suit, including Bellevue Square, Taddle Creek Park, Margaret Fairley Square, Vermont Square and Little Norway. And like Sibelius, the working groups went to the residents, and in the cases of playgrounds, to the children to find out what they wanted.
"One of the things we're hoping is that if the kids had a role in creating the park, it will be the same kids who make sure it won't get vandalized when they're older," Vaughan says, "because it's their park."
The new playground is being split in two, with one section for older kids sectioned off from the younger kids' area by a concrete climbing wall.
The bust of
Sibelius, which gave the park its name, is being moved from the edge to the centre of the green space, where it's to be surrounded by a flower garden.
Work on the playground is expected to be completed by Labour Day, with upgrades to the rest of the park, including new paths and benches, scheduled for next summer.
Writer: Bert Archer
Source: Adam Vaughan
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