By Tyler Waugh, Local Journalism Initiative reporter
A request from the recreation committee to revive Petty Harbor - Maddox Cove Days next year dovetailed into a council discussion of fundraising potential for an ambitious project to replace the Sarah Chafe Memorial Playground.
“When this came up, we thought yes, we could purchase new playground equipment and just replace what’s there or we could take this as an opportunity to create something so unique,” said councillor Kayla Parsons. “Instead of just replacing what’s there we wanted to create a space that’s just so different that the town will love it, it will stand the test of time. Kids will love it, tourists that come in will love it, and it’s not just your everyday metal playground, plastic playground.”
Parsons said research has been done into natural playgrounds and studies in Scandinavia showed they can increase immunity in children. The committee pursued the idea further and eventually landed on the concept of having the playground reflect the town’s history and incorporate things such as a fishing stage climber, a ferry hut and other symbols.
Parsons said pursuing the idea would be more expensive than just replacing the existing equipment, offering a ballpark estimate of between $350,000-$450,000 from a pair of Canadian companies. There is potential the playground would be phased in and that residents would install it to cut down on contractor costs.
“I kind of thought if we could really rally the community, once we get this picture out or a proposal out to the people there’s a lot of trades workers and skilled workers in our community that I think for removal and putting things out and rebuilding would be cost effective,” said Parsons, who circulated a concept illustration to council, which appeared to be well received.
Mayor Ed Dyke allowed there would be a lot of support for the project among residents, service groups and corporations and offered to do his part in contacting other levels of government
“When you look at the pictures and what’s involved … I was awestruck with it,” said the mayor. “It’s so awesome, and it really took in part of our heritage. I’d say if we can get this we will have the best playground in Newfoundland.”
Dyke added that he would be interested in joining a subcommittee to pursue the idea.
Council discussed having promotional materials ready for fundraising at local events and researching grants.
A motion was made by Deputy Mayor Irene Stack to have a promotional poster printed for playground fundraising, and to form a Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove Days subcommittee under the recreation committee to start fundraising for the playground.
“And with it hopes they can continue on yearly,” Stack said. “I would love to kill two birds with one stone to get Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove Days back.”
Both motions passed unanimously.
