A new accessible and inclusive recreation area is starting to take shape in Prince George after city council earmarked $475,000 for the project at its October 3 meeting. The Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charity is working in partnership with the City to build a multisport court and will contribute substantial funding and support.
“An accessible, multi-sport court is a huge benefit for Prince George,” said Mayor Lyn Hall, in a news release. “We’re not only renewing aging infrastructure at Carrie Jane Gray Park, we’re also improving them to higher standards.”
The new recreation facility will be constructed across the street from Firehall #1 along Massey Drive and serve as a refresher for tennis and basketball courts that are already there. Depending on when the agreement is finalized, initial work on the project may start this fall with anticipated completion slated for some time in 2023.
The Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charity contacted the City of Prince George in spring 2021 and proposed building an inclusive play project in the community. Founded in 2005, Jumpstart Charities work with municipalities across Canada to build facilities that help children overcome financial and accessibility barriers to sport and recreation.
“The court provides inclusive and accessible space that will help improve and promote active living,” said Hall. “It’s a positive step forward for our community.”
The charity will build the court and contribute $900,000 (initially valued at $500,000 in 2021) in associated construction services, equipment, and materials. The city and Jumpstart will also enter into a gift agreement that summarizes each partner’s construction responsibilities, addresses annual maintenance requirements, and outlines Jumpstart’s naming rights and branding.
The city’s financial commitment, which is drawn from reserve provincial grant money awarded several years back, will go towards:
- Demolition and removal of existing site materials and amenities.
- Geotechnical investigations to confirm site suitability.
- Site grading, including excavation to waste and sub-base preparation.
- Site security.
- Landscaping.
- Pedestrian walkway realignment and accessibility improvements.