Earl Bales Gametime

Address: 4169 Bathurst Street, map.

Recreational Infrastucture agreement:

Rationale describing the specific problems or objectives this project will address: "SERVICE IMPROVEMENT AND ENHANCEMENT- This project will replace the current low play-value/ less challenging playground equipment with modern multi-task structures that will provide greater physical challenges and better social interaction." Read more >>

Playground history (incomplete)

Earl Bales Park playground maintenance history

Notes:

This playground has a large expanse of new sand, which looks as though it was added very recently and probably cost about $20,000. The other notable feature is the almost total absence of shade. On a hot sunny August afternoon, this meant that the kids playing there stayed under the equipment or over on one edge where there was a small areas of shade.

Although the playground work excel sheets we received through freedom of information are not clear on dates, one of the slides says "Paris Playgrounds, 2000," (by then owned by Little Tikes/Playpower) which would mean that this playground is set to be replaced after only 10 years.

Photos: August 13, 2010

generic stimulus funds signs

the current playground, no shade!

kids sit under the bit of platform shade

swings, and deep new sand everywhere

the "sandbox" appears to be an afterthought

adjacent "sensory playground" construction

sensory playground sign

constructing the privately-funded $1 million sensory playground

October 21 2013

All the work is done on the two adjacent playgrounds. The Gametime playground is rather similar to the previous playground, which was in fine condition before replacement. The swings are shorter in the new playground, which is not an asset. The playground is still located in full sun, and at the time of our visit, there were only two children playing there.

The sensory playground is showing lots of wear and tear and perhaps some neglect as well.

new structure from Gametime

engineered wood fibre PLUS rubber mats

shorter swings

park benches facing away from each other

sensory playground -- overflowing trash bin

sensory playground maintenance problems