ESTEVAN - Estevan city council awarded the tender for the new play equipment structure at the Churchill Playpark during Monday night's meeting, after seeking input from the community.
The contract went to 1-Stop Playgrounds for $298,736.52.
The purchase was brought forward at council's final meeting of 2023 last month, but they tabled the request for a public survey to be conducted by the city.
The survey was online from Dec. 21-Jan. 3, and residents could vote on two options. A total of 246 surveys were received.
In a report to council, Jacquelyn Massey-Rounds, the city's marketing and communications manager, said most of the survey participants fell into the 25-34 and 35-44 age groups. Seventy-three per cent said they were Churchill Park patrons while 18 per cent were not users of the park. Two-thirds of respondents were in favour of the 1-Stop Playground design.
When the matter was brought forward last month, parks manager Shannon Wanner said the 1-Stop Playgrounds design was excellent. The two different age composite structures are far apart. The swing set, placed in the middle of the two composite structures, is accessible. If parents have a special needs child who like to use the swings, then it is safe for them.
"It has a couple of elements the city does not have, like a barrel spinner, buddy car and climbing net. It has ample space for parents and caregivers to sit under shade. The buddy car is wheelchair accessible," Wanner said at the time.
Coun. Kirsten Walliser, who suggested taking the survey to the public, thanked those who responded to the survey.
"Shannon was spot on with her recommendation," said Walliser. "I think it's really built excitement about the pool that's already available, but also what's coming this year. I know the kids in the community are going to keep a close eye for what's available."
Council also awarded a tender for two 2024 half-tonne pickup trucks to Murray GM Estevan. The dealership met all the specifications and criteria. The bid was $64,644.61 per truck, plus tax, and will replace units in the public works fleet.
