A new playground in a sa国际传媒 park will cost almost three times its original budget to construct, regional officials are to hear this week.听
The cost for the the playground in Mission Creek regional park has ballooned from $174,900 to $480,000,听
The big run-up in costs is due in part to revisions aimed at ensuring children of various physical abilities are able to use the playground, according to regional district parks manager Tamara Oljaca.听
Addition of a specialized rubber surface 鈥渆nable fair and equitable access to all children鈥 accounts for 55 per cent of the additional expense, Oljaca writes in a report to be considered Thursday by regional directors.听
As well, more 鈥渋nclusive play equipment鈥 has been added, Oljaca says. 鈥淭hese updates ensure that children of all abilities can safely and comfortably use the playground,鈥 she says.听
Revisions were approved by staff after what is said to have been extensive community input. At Thursday's meeting, regional directors will consider staffsa国际传媒 recommendation to cover the extra expense using money from a provincial grant.听
A similar inclusive playground in West sa国际传媒, called 'Julia's Junction', opened last year after being built at a cost of $900,000. Much of the expense was covered by a volunteer-driven fundraising campaign.听
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