Lord Kitchener Temporary Playground

1. Lord Kitchener Temporary Playground Information Update and Moving forward

2. Background information and timelines • Temporary Playground committee established to facilitate a temporary playground from deconstruction of the existing playground to the newly landscaped, rebuilt playground • Potentially a 2 years • Deconstruction to begin March 2011, before spring break • Allow for ground preparation for the white wood frame building (corner of Collingwood and King Edward)

3. Restrictions and Possibilites • Two main restrictions for the temporary playground need to be satisfied • Space for the playground • Money to build it. • Additional factors include • Satisfying regulation for of playground equipment spacing • Viability of moving existing equipment • Satisfying need for broad age group appeal

4. Space Restrictions • In consultation with VSB • Available area on the far west side of the gravel soccer field between the two stairs leading from the pedestrian pathways to the field.

5. Space Restrictions • Maintains VSB service vehicle access on the NW side of the field • Maintains access to and continued use of the soccer field • During regular gym class time (gym access will sometimes be limited during construction) • During recess • By community groups, e.g. DSA

6. Relocation and Cost Restrictions • Though it has been established though consultation with Habitat (builders of our current playground) that the current playground equipment can be moved multiple times, it is not without associated cost both in terms of dollars to move and potential damage to the equipment.

7. Relocation and Cost Restrictions • The ‘sturdy’ nature of our equipment lends itself to a long life but not easily being moved • Each metal post is set in concrete • Careful removal and placement is required • Time and personnel required to moving equipment is high cost.

8. Existing playground equipment ‘Senior Pod’ Note multiple posts into ground

9. Relocation Restrictions • With each move some small parts will need replacement (i.e. nuts and bolts type) along with potential denting to post etc that can weaken the structure again resulting in higher costs. • This problem is also associated with our curbing. It will be difficult to remove without and most likely less expensive to use new.

10. Funding/Cost Restrictions • Funding from the ministry for the new school construction does not include allowances for a temporary playground but VSB has ‘found’ some monies by cost savings. • Gaming and lottery grants are not available due to lack of governement funding and restrictions on use for a temporary structure.

11. What Can We Do? Recommendation to move forward.

12. The Best ‘Fit’ • Looking at the options available us and acknowledging the restrictions involved with both cost and space here what is our best option?

13. What will VSB Do? • VSB has funding to deconstruct, store and relocate existing structures • VSB is planning on storing on site and using fencing, not containers, to keep the equipment in • With the above saving VSB is willing to cover the costs associated to relocate the swings and rocks to the temporary site • Additional potential savings with reuse of some ground cover.

14. What is the Best Use of Monies? • Because of cost associated with relocation of a senior pod or another piece, a new Spacenet would be of similar cost. • Quoted prices for moving a senior pod is $20K where a Space pod quoted ~ $21K + ground cover and curbing that could be reused in the new location.

15. Spacenet • Meets multiple requirements • Broad age group appeal • High child per equipment usage • Small small space usage • Proven to be a popular in other playgrounds

16. Any other benefits to a Spacenet? • Will not need to ask for funding for a playground that will only be used for 2 years • Will be able to focus fundraising efforts for a new playground legacy piece that will be part of our new school ‘make-over’.

17. Next steps • PAC plan approval (was obtained Jan 5/11) • Fundraising