There are a few obstacles ahead in the form of funding but a new group in Yorkton - the Yorkton Wheelchair Accessible Playground Committee (YWAPC) is on the right path.
On Monday two members of the YWAPC met with Yorkton City Council to request both support and funding for a new wheelchair accessible park for the city and following the presentation council agreed to get behind the project.
The committee's plan is to replace the current play structure at Weinmaster Park. "Our goal is for Yorkton to have a play structure that encourages exercise, socialization and inclusion for children of all abilities, as well as a place for community families to enjoy," said Susan Quiring, Committee Chair to council.
"We feel this is an important part of enriching Yorkton's reputation as a city that actively creates a place where all people feel welcome and the diverse needs and aspirations of everyone are respected equally."
Quiring pointed out the fact that over the past several years council has been putting money into a reserve account to use towards this project and it's the committee's desire to use a portion of these funds to secure additional funding.
To date, $100,000 has been placed in the reserve account.
"We're in the process of applying for a Community Vitality Program grant through the Community Initiatives Fund (CIF)... The CIF grant could potentially contribute up to $50,000 but requires matching funds in order to qualify for the grant." On that note, the committee asked that council commit the matching funds so a funding application could be submitted.
The estimated cost for such a play unit that would be suitable for a city of this size is between $250,000 and $300,000 and the YWAPC has already begun the task of approaching local businesses to help out with funding it.
"The City has also been planning the replacement for a number of years," said Darcy McLeod, Director of Community Development, Parks & Recreation to council. "This structure is the last one to be replaced as a part of the play structure replacement program that began in 2006..."
City Council has agreed to match the $50,000 grant in order for the YWAPC to apply for additional funds. The committee will also embark on a fundraising campaign and if need be, the matter will again return to council during upcoming budget discussions.
