Provide feedback on Woodcote Park playground concepts

The City of Courtenay is inviting community feedback on proposed concept designs for a new and improved playground at Woodcote Park. This project will replace aging equipment — originally installed more than 30 years ago — with an updated, inclusive and engaging play space.

The Woodcote Park playground replacement project aligns with the City’s newly adopted Let’s Play, Courtenay! playground design standards, which were developed through extensive public consultation. The new playground will be built to foster creativity and active play through diverse play experiences that reflect community needs.

The proposed designs include new play structures for preschoolers and children aged 5 to 12 based on nature themes, along with rubber play surfacing in the main play areas for enhanced accessibility.

Two concept plans for the new playground have been developed, and the City is asking for public feedback to help shape the final design. Review the designs and complete a short survey at www.engagecomoxvalley.ca/woodcote from April 8 to 28, 2025. Paper copies of the survey will also be available starting April 9 at City Hall (830 Cliffe Avenue), the Lewis Centre (489 Old Island Highway) and Courtenay Library (300-6^th Street).

Survey participants will be entered in a random draw to win a $50 gift card to the Comox Valley Farmers’ Market.

Courtenay Mayor Bob Wells is encouraging the community to share their thoughts on the playground designs. “Community parks and playgrounds are the heart of our neighbourhoods, bringing people of all ages together,” said Wells. “An updated playground at Woodcote will bring new life to this popular park. Public feedback will help shape the final playground design, so we are really looking forward to hearing from the community through the survey.”

The final playground design will be selected later this spring. A “What We Heard” report will be posted on the project website, summarizing survey results and other public feedback, and how they influenced the final recommended design.

Other potential park improvements, including upgrades to the basketball court and other park amenities, will be considered as budget allows.

The old Woodcote Park playground will be closed starting this summer for two to three months. The washrooms may also be closed during construction for public safety. The new playground is expected to be completed by late summer or early fall 2025.

Woodcote Park is a four-acre community park between Cumberland Road, Willemar Avenue and 17th Street in West Courtenay.

The Woodcote Park Playground replacement will be largely funded through the Province of B.C.’s Growing Communities Fund, with the City continuing to seek additional grant opportunities.

Courtenay Council allocated $1 million of the $7.65 million received from the Province of B.C.’s Growing Communities Fund in the 2024-2028 financial plan for playground improvements. Other recent projects include the recently completed Brookfield Park playground and the new playground design standards.

Stay up to date on upcoming playground engagement opportunities at www.courtenay.ca/letsplay