WELLINGTON COUNTY – Following the successful installation of Rockmosa Park’s main playground in 2023, the township is now planning an expansion for a new “tot lot.”
The current park playground is rated for ages five to 12 and is situated next to the splash pad and a covered pavilion.
“The new tot lot will be integrated into the design of the existing playground,” township community programs manager Melissa Biffis told the county’s joint accessibility advisory committee on May 1.
Biffis explained the proposed expansion will extend behind the existing park and will involve some modifications to the land.
“The proposed tot lot will feature a standalone play structure, an interactive activity fence, spring toy, swing sets and poured-in-place rubber ground,” she said.
The play structure will be rated ages two to five and include seven play activities, which will encompass two slides, one rope climber, one log slice climber and a transfer station with safety rails. Ground-level activities include a bongo and beat blocks panels.
Biffis noted the unit will have a roof for shade.
“The interactive tot play wall and the standalone spring structure will be rated for 18 months to five years of age,” she said.
The play wall includes 12 “sensory-rich” activities.
The proposed site also includes a swing set for all ages, with two belt swings, one tot swing and an inclusive swing.
“There is an existing pavilion that we intentionally built the space around so caregivers can have access to shade and have viewpoints to the new playground, existing playground, the splash pad and washrooms, creating safety for parents and caregivers,” Biffis explained.
The new section will be tailored to meet the developmental needs of toddlers and preschool-age children, including:
- rubberized ground surfacing;
- age-appropriate play structures;
- inclusive design; and
- safety features.
“Child-friendly, rubberized surface providing both safety and accessibility for those with mobility challenges,” states an April 23 township letter to the committee.
“This will ensure a more comfortable and secure environment for younger children to play.
“All equipment and layouts will meet or exceed the necessary safety standards, ensuring a secure and supportive environment for young children as they explore and play.”
Guelph/Eramosa staff requested funding assistance from the county for site preparations.
According to the letter, the funding will help cover the installation of a concrete walkway, concrete curbing for the ground surfacing and some modifications to grading to accommodate the rubberized surface.
“This project cost is estimated to be $125,000 and will be funded through reserves,” township manager of parks and facilities Jeff Myer told the Advertiser.
A more accurate total will be known once a tender has been awarded.
“The township will be applying to Wellington County’s Accessibility Incentive Fund. The key focus of the project is to enhance inclusivity and accessibility features, with the rubberized surface being the most significant improvement,” he said.
Myer noted the construction start date is Sept. 2 which “allows the splash pad, playground and trail to remain open throughout the summer months.”
During construction, a portion of the trail and the existing playground will be closed for public safety.
“The goal is to complete the project by the end of October,” he said.
“However, this timeline is weather-dependent, as some phases of construction require dry and warm conditions.”
Township staff asked for the county committee’s feedback and support as it moves forward with the project.
The report will be presented to county council on May 29 for a decision.
