Provide Feedback on Courtenay’s Draft Playground Design Standards

Potential new playground design standards for the City of Courtenay are ready for public review. The community is invited to provide feedback on the overall standards, plus help shape an upcoming playground replacement at Woodcote Park.  

 The “Let’s Play, Courtenay!” project will create new playground design standards so that new and upgraded play spaces are meeting the needs of our community.

The second phase of the Let’s Play, Courtenay! project is running from now until July 12, 2024. Review the draft guidelines and share feedback via a short survey available at www.courtenay.ca/letsplay.

Courtenay Mayor Bob Wells said the check-in is an opportunity for the public to weigh in on the work completed to date. “During Phase one, we received lots of input on how our community likes to play,” said Mayor Wells. “We will be investing in new and upgraded playgrounds this year that use these standards. Before we do that, we want to check back to see if we got the draft standards right, or if there is anything we may have missed. Once they are finalized, replacing Woodcote Park playground is first on the list, so the survey also asks if there are any specific suggestions for Woodcote that aren’t already reflected in the playground standards. This is a great chance for the public to influence that design.”

Feedback through the survey will be considered in the final standards, which will be presented to City Council in September 2024 for approval. The draft standards reflect community feedback gathered earlier this year through a public survey, workshops, community interest group sessions and drawing contest.

The new design standards will be put to use immediately, as the City of Courtenay has allocated an extra $1 million in grant funding from the Province of BC Growing Communities Fund for Courtenay playgrounds over the next two years.

Woodcote Park playground is a top priority for replacement in 2024, and would be the first playground to be replaced using the updated playground design standards. An optional question on the survey seeks community feedback on this upcoming playground replacement project.

Planning for specific playgrounds across the City will happen over time as they are upgraded or developed. The number of playgrounds installed or upgraded each year is based on the City’s annual budget.

To learn more about Let’s Play, Courtenay! and complete the survey visit www.courtenay.ca/letsplay.

Fast Facts

Playgrounds are community gathering spaces as well as active play places. As playground facilities age over time, they will eventually need to be replaced.

• There are currently 19 playgrounds and one fitness park in the City of Courtenay.
• Courtenay’s capital budget includes $1.036 million for playground replacements in 2024 and 2025, which includes $1 million from the Growing Communities Fund.
• The final park playground design standards are anticipated in September, 2024. 

Quotes

 “During Phase one, we received lots of input on how our community likes to play. We will be investing in new and upgraded playgrounds this year that use these standards. Before we do that, we want to check back to see if we got the draft standards right, or if there is anything we may have missed. Once they are finalized, replacing Woodcote Park playground is first on the list, so the survey also asks if there are any specific suggestions for Woodcote that aren’t already reflected in the playground standards. This is a great chance for the public to influence that design.” – Mayor Bob Wells