TAMRMS#: B06
11.1
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Accessible and Inclusive Playground Strategy
Notice given by: Councillor Brodhead
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PROPOSED MOTION(S):
recommendation
That the City of St. Albert complete a "Accessible and Inclusive Playground Strategy" funded from the Stabilization Reserve in the amount $120,000 with the work to be completed and reported back to City Council by Q2 2025.
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ADMINISTRATION'S UNDERSTANDING OF THE INTENT OF THE MOTION
Administration is to develop an Inclusive and Accessible Playground Strategy that will address standards and planning for the development of inclusive and accessible playgrounds. This report is to be delivered at a cost of no more than $120,000 and presented to Council by end of Q2, 2025.
PURPOSE OF REPORT
The purpose of this report is to present a motion for which Councillor Brodhead gave notice on May 30, 2024.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
As shared in IR-24-006, the City has 65 City-owned playgrounds. The playgrounds vary in size (generally related to classification of the park they are in) and provide a variety of play experiences primarily for children 18 months to 12 years of age.
Of the 65 City-owned playgrounds, one is fully inclusive (Fountain Park), with a second (Lodgepole playground in Lacombe Lake Park) to be completed later in 2024. Many of the remaining playgrounds have some elements of inclusivity and/or accessibility, including partial or fully accessible play surfacing.
There are also 19 playgrounds on school lands. These playgrounds fall under the authority of their respective school division and are built and maintained in partnership with the City through the reciprocal use agreement. While none of these playgrounds are fully accessible, many of them also contain accessible and/or inclusive features.
Planning Principles
Administration believes that each playground should be designed as part of a City-wide network of playgrounds, which, together, meet the needs of our community. This same approach is applied...
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