New playgrounds and park open in Spruce Grove

More options for families and children to spend the afternoon

(L-R) Spruce Grove Mayor Stuart Houston, Ald. Searle Turton, Ald. Bill Kesanko, Ald. Jeff Acker, Ald. Bill Steinburg and Ald. Louise Baxter visit the new Japanese School playground, located near the intersection of Main Street and Mohr Avenue. It was developed as a natural playground, which allows children to choose how they want to interact with the equipment.

By

November 9, 2011

Families and children looking for a place to spend the afternoon have some more options with three new playgrounds and one park that recently opened in Spruce Grove.

The City has installed new equipment at the Japanese School, Deer Park and Aspenglen playgrounds, and has completed installation of the play structures at Jubilee Park.

Japanese School playground

The Japanese School playground, located near the intersection of Main Street and Mohr Avenue, was developed as a natural playground, which offers a less-structured experience than a more traditional-style play area. This allows children to choose how they want to interact with the equipment, providing a unique and personalized experience for every child.

The playground mixes elements from nature, including boulders, limestone, logs, clay and plants with man-made materials, such as concrete, rope and plastic.

Deer Park playground

The new Deer Park play structure, located along Deer Park Drive, is for children between the ages of two and five and complements an existing structure for children ages six to 12.

Featuring bright colours, the new structure has one central hub that branches out into separate play areas, including a slide, teeter-totter, climbing elements, and multiple entries and exits. This addition to the playground ensures it’s now suitable for children of all ages.

Next year, a new asphalt trail will be added that will connect the playground to Danfield Place, making it easily accessible for residents who live in the area.

Aspenglen playground

The Aspenglen playground, located on Grove Drive by the outdoor hockey rink, was completely removed and replaced with an entirely new structure. The old play equipment was donated to the Emmanuel Foundation, which refurbishes and installs playgrounds in developing nations.

The new Aspenglen playground is for all ages, with two separate play structures – one for children ages two to five and another for ages six to 12. The entire play area has a nature theme, with tree tops and interactive games within the play area.

It also includes a tire swing, a four-person teeter-totter and other equipment that focuses on balance and concentration, including monkey bars and climbing structures. There is even a wheel that makes nature sounds when turned and a nature hunt with items hidden throughout the playground.

Jubilee Park

Jubilee Park, located along Grove Drive just east of Spruce Village, has paved walking and bike trails, a disc golf course, picnic areas with barbecue pits, a sliding hill and a playground that is universally accessible. It’s an ideal destination spot for families with its many features and is suitable for children of all ages. Keep watching for the official opening of Jubilee Park in 2012.

Check out a photo gallery of the new playgrounds and park open in Spruce Grove.