Spring works ahead!

City funds upgrades in several Aylmer parks 

 

Laurent Robillard-Cardinal

Several Aylmer parks will be improved over the coming months. For 2015, the city earmarked $2.1 million to improve its parks and green spaces across the city; of the two-million dollar envelope, Aylmer parks will use $901,000.

Seeking PP3 partner

The biggest project for Aylmer is the synthetic soccer field in the Plateau, estimated at $580,000. The synthetic field is far from reality and is forecasted no earlier that 2018. The city is keeping the funds allocated to the project as they seek other partners. The city’s funds are insufficient to cover the costs of a synthetic field, which can vary between $1.5 million and $3 million.

Another big project in Ward 4, estimated at $80,000, is an outdoor rink with boards, at the Central Park in the Plateau. The city has partnered with the Ottawa Senators on this project.

Smaller amounts have been earmarked to complete renovations at a dozen parks to ensure they meet modern safety regulations.

For example, Broad Park’s swing sets will be properly anchored. Gatineau will also add a new game component at the Ward One park. This work is estimated at $7,000, much less than what’s projected for Vieux-Verger Park.

This Ward 2 park, located beside the primary school with the same name, will get a $50,000 upgrade, including the third phase of the children’s playground.

Gatineau also set aside funds for two other parks. Belmont Park will see improved lighting and borders, a repaired fence and outdoor furniture at this popular spot. This park is frequented by seniors who play pétanque. Renovations at Belmont Park are estimated at $64,000 -- close to half of what the city will invest at Front Park.

To maintain that well-equipped park, the city wants to redo the asphalt of the tennis and basketball courts, add fences, paint lines and replace the basketball posts for $120,000.