Hello Ward 8 Neighbours,
Newlands Park in Ward 8 may soon see a unique feature added to its play structure as Cllr. John-Paul Danko is proposing the installation of Hamilton’s first rock-climbing wall at a municipal park.
For more details, please continue reading below…
Councillor Danko is proposing to spend about $120,000 to construct a rock-climbing wall at Newlands Park that would be incorporated into the existing play structures, with the stated goal being to help children hone their risk assessment skills and introduce adventurous play.
At the January 31. public works committee meeting, Cllr. Danko told those in attendance that the rock-climbing structure would encourage children and youth to “understand a little bit more risky play” so that “they are not wrapped in bubble wrap. The benefits are really well documented; being able to develop risk assessment skills,” the Hamilton News reported.
Danko would go on to elaborate that the climbing-wall is an educational opportunity for children to learn about failure and taking initiative. He added it also helps children’s self-esteem.
“It is something I am really excited about,” said Danko. “This is a well-designed structure. It is also designed to be safe.”
Hamilton News reports that the City’s manager of landscape architectural services assured councillors that it would be safe for users and that a properly-rated surface – like those at parks across the City – would be installed for additional protection. The proposed rock-climbing wall would also be similar in height to the existing play equipment. It will not be a Mt. Everest.
“It is something that is a little bit new…Something I am really excited about. This is a well-designed structure. I’m pretty excited about it.”
Cllr. John-Paul Danko speaking on the rock-climbing structure
About $60,000 would be used to design and install the structure, including signs, while the other half of the funding, to be taken from the Ward 8 capital reserve fund, would be used for the safety surface. The annual operating cost would be about $2,500.
Cllr. Danko told the Hamilton News that Newlands was selected because of its existing circular walking track and exercise equipment. Other parks that were considered include Buchanan Park and Southam Park.
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