Today is the day that installation of equipment officially begins on the new play space at Bill Brecht Park in Humboldt. The Playground Committee has been diligently fundraising for the past couple of years toward the project, and those efforts have finally paid off. 

Equipment for the first of a two phase install has arrived and plans are to get underway today and tomorrow, October 18 and 19, with the ground work. Following that prep, installation can begin in earnest with plans to have it wrapped up by the end of the month.

“Coming in phase one, we have a nine foot fortress climbing wall, a swing set that features an inclusive swing and a toddlers’ seat, a roll (a multi-sensory play piece for one of more children), a backhoe and sand digger which is accessible,” says Cathy Zimmerman, one of the committee planners. “Also in phase one, the main feature is the beehive, which is a huge climbing apparatus and slide.”

Zimmerman notes that the component has been delayed with arrival expected in mid-November. That means the beehive will go in very early next spring. Some of the equipment, such as the roll, will be a one-of-a-kind inclusive play experience in Humboldt, says Zimmerman.

Fundraising continues for phase two, the main feature of which will be a double zip line for the ultimate in action and thrills.

“We’re super excited for that feature,” Zimmerman says. “ Young or old alike will enjoy that. Then some other pieces of equipment will come along with phase two as well.” 

The organization’s fundraising thus far has allowed for the installation of phase one equipment at a cost of just over $121,000. The second phase will cost in the neighbourhood of $148,000 dollars, so the fundraising drives will continue. Some of the funding events are winding down, but there are certainly other opportunities to contribute on the horizon. 

“We are just wrapping up a No Frills/Loblaws gift card fundraiser. For this month, Opal and Ash Beauty Company is giving back to the community and they’ve chosen the Bill Brecht Park upgrade. It’s a salon that’s right in the neighbourhood of the park, and 10 percent of all the products sold out of the salon this month will go directly to supporting the park.” 

Another fundraiser, arranged by Krystle Olynick, has the group bringing in poinsettias, wreaths, outdoor arrangements and indoor planters just in time for the holiday season. Orders will be taken until November 8. 

To find out more about the park upgrade or to get in on any of the great fundraisers, connect with the Bill Brecht Park Facebook page.