Wellington County opens new playground at museum and archives
ABOYNE – Located next to the Heritage Barn at the Wellington County Museum and Archives is a newly-opened playground for the community to enjoy.
“We’re going for the young crowd here,” county Warden Andy Lennox remarked with a chuckle at the opening cermony on May 13.
It appeared the young crowd had indeed been won over as children climbed, slid, jumped and swung on the play structures which officials say are reminiscent of the look and character of the Poor House Industrial Farm.
Some of those children were instrumental in providing input into a playground design allowing the children to do what they do best — play.
“Children from across Wellington County submitted drawings and ideas to help bring this project to life,” said county councillor Dianne Ballantyne.
In addition to the play structures, a play “outhouse” was constructed in the exact location of the former Poor House privy, Ballantyne pointed out.
Interpretive panels on the side of the structure were developed by the WCMA’s curatorial team to teach about Poor House history.
Beyond the outhouse structure is a play market stand, which Ballantyne said “encourages creative play.”
Centre Wellington Mayor Shawn Watters and Wellington-Halton Hill MPP Ted Arnott were also on hand to provide remarks at the official opening.
