Community dignitaries gathered today to unveil the newly revitalized Police Playground on Stones Street.
“The new structure you see behind us today is just a tremendous reinvestment by the City, to make sure our kids have the same experiences that we had when we were growing up,” shared Mayor Peter Chirico. “The ability to interact with other kids and to play on safe structures.”
The new equipment, which was a recommendation of the City’s Parks Master Plan, includes many accessible components and ground-level play events to encourage and allow for group play and inclusion.
Officials say the project’s part of a larger revitalization of the park which began last spring and includes a defined parking area, new grass, landscaping, pathways, benches, trees and rink boards.
The total investment is approximately $225,000.
It was originally established in the 1950s thanks to the sponsorship of the North Bay Police Association of the time, which collected donated materials and in-kind services for its construction. Following construction, officials say the park was operated for some time by a board that was created by the association.
Vincent Corrente, President of the North Bay Police Association, said the late Staff Sergeant Victor McClenaghan served 35 years with the North Bay Police Service and was instrumental in the creation of the playground.
“The North Bay Police Association is proud to have played a role creating this park decades ago and our membership is thrilled to see the excellent revitalization work completed by the city,” shared Vincent Corrente. “Thank you to the City of North Bay for helping to revitalize this playground, this is a big part of our shared history.”
Scott Tod, NBPS Chief, said the project shows the importance of the work that can be done between the police association, city staff and the community.
