Families will have a new playground in Victoria’s downtown core as design plans are underway to transform the lawn at Victoria’s courthouse.

A playground emerged as the most popular choice for the site during discussions with area neighbours. The playground will be accessible to children of all ages and abilities. The site design will also include components geared toward adults and seniors, such as chess tables and seating benches. The playground will be closed from dusk-to-dawn each day. Overnight camping will not be permitted.

Transformation of the site is still in the early planning stages and further discussions on the design specifics are underway. These discussions will include input from children who attend neighbourhood schools and who are most likely to use the play structure.

The testing of soil samples determined the presence of residual contaminants, including those consistent with minor gas spills and trace amounts of methamphetamines. A finalized remediation and redevelopment plan is expected in the coming weeks. The contaminants will be removed and the landscape restored to a welcoming public space.  

The playground and greenspace is scheduled to be ready for use by spring 2017.