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Millwood Park Playground Upgrade
The Etobicoke Community Council recommends the adoption of the following report (February 4, 1998) from the Accting Commissioner of Parks and Recreation, Etobicoke:
Purpose:
To gain Council approval for a City/Community Funded Partnership for Playground Upgrade in Millwood Park.
Source of Funds:
The City=s commitment of $10,000.00 is available in Etobicoke Reserve Account No. 60007 for Capital Playground Retrofits. The remaining funds as raised by the Millwood Community will be deposited into a City account prior to procurement of equipment.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1) Etobicoke Community Council recommend to City Council this $10,000.00 funding commitment for approval in keeping with Etobicoke Playground Cost Sharing Policy; and
(2) the appropriate City officials be authorized to undertake the necessary action to give effect thereto.
Background:
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 per cent of the total cost to a maximum subsidy of $10,000.00 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:
Since its approval, six local Etobicoke communities have taken advantage of this partnership to upgrade and enhance their local play spaces. Millwood Park currently has very basic equipment such as swings and slides and this opportunity to partner with the City will realize a new structure with adventure play components. The playground will be upgraded in its current location in Millwood Park. The Millwood community intends to raise $15,000.00 to $20,000.00 this winter and spring and together with the $10,000.00 from the City they are hoping to realize an early summer installation. The fundraising for this project has commenced and a strong volunteer group is involved in this initiative.
Conclusion:
Our Parks staff have met with this group and fully support this project. The proposed structure will meet both City and CSA standards and upon Council=s approval, and the funds being raised by our community partners, the appropriate design details, equipment selection and competitive procurement processes will be initiated. The City funds for this project are in a special capital account set up for this purpose in 1996.
Although this was a local Etobicoke initiative, the policy of providing funding for these types of community partnerships will be reviewed over the next year and will be the subject of a further report in 1999 to Standing Committee and Council.
Contact Name:
Paul G. Ronan - Tel: (416)394-8505, Fax: (416)394-8935
Director, Parks and Forestry
Toronto, Etobicoke Region
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