(Report dated June 24, 1998, addressed to Etobicoke Community Council, from the Acting Commissioner.)

Subject:Marie Curtis Park Playground Equipment Upgrade

Ward: Lakeshore-Queensway

Purpose:

Respond to the request to upgrade the play equipment at Marie Curtis Park through our Joint Playground Cost Sharing Policy.

Source of Funds:

$10,000.00 in funds has been made available for this project by the former Metro Parks Department.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1)Council receive this report;

(2)approve the funding up to a maximum of $10,000.00 for the upgrade to the play equipment at Marie Curtis Park; and

(3)pending Council=s approval and the communities fund raising, installation of this equipment is projected for the fall of 1998.

Council Reference/Background/History:

On October 30, 1995, the former Etobicoke Council approved a policy on cost sharing for upgrades to playground equipment between the City and local communities. This policy is as follows:

(1)A written indication of interest from the community group be submitted to Administration Committee.

(2)City must approve all designs and equipment must meet Canadian Standards Association guidelines.

(3)All equipment to become property of City of Etobicoke. Maintenance and liability to be assumed by the City of Etobicoke.

(4)The City of Etobicoke will pay up to a maximum of 50% of the total cost to a maximum subsidy of $10,000 per park, subject to the availability of funding.

(5)Community funds must be guaranteed prior to equipment being purchased.

(6)The City of Etobicoke will coordinate purchase and installation of all equipment.

Comments:

Marie Curtis Park currently has very old outdated equipment. The community is interested in participating in upgrading the park and have organized themselves for this purpose. Until this year, the Park has been maintained by the former Metro Parks Department who have agreed to make $10,000.00 available to be matched by the community=s fund raising initiatives. This partnership with the former Metro enables us to offer this program since our funds in the former Etobicoke have been depleted.

Conclusion:

Our Parks staff have met with the Marie Curtis Community Group and fully support this project. The proposed structure will meet both City and C.S.A. standards. Upon Council=s approval and funds being raised by our community partners, the appropriate designs, details, equipment selection and competitive procurement process will be initiated. As a part of this process, the Community will be made aware of this project and input from local residents will be encouraged.

Contact Name:

Paul G. Ronan, Director, Parks and Forestry

Toronto, Etobicoke Region

Telephone Number: 394-8505Fax: 394-8935