Steve Hardaker

Community Correspondent

For a neighbourhood that has seen an influx of young families, playground improvements that are being implemented in the Niagara on the Green Park are being welcomed by many residents.

Niagara on the Green is a community of 465 households in Glendale. In the 2019 budget, town council approved funds to make capital improvements in Niagara on the Green Park. The improvements include a full court basketball surface, playground replacement, pergola refurbishment and a community information board.

The town used a collaborative approach to redesigning the park, with residents being given the opportunity to provide input and influence the final design.

The municipality’s Join The Conversation platform was used so residents could provide feedback to town staff on a preferred design and colour.

There was an online survey to help determine the location of the community information board. A public open house was held in August at which residents got a first look at the new play structure. That design was eventually redesigned based on feedback.

The basketball court was a half-court surface with one hoop. The new surface will accommodate two hoops, with line markings, and will be ready in the spring of 2020.

The old, outdated play structure, a popular destination for many of the youth in the neighbourhood, is being replaced now with updated swings, slides and climbing equipment. The pergola’s upright columns have been replaced and painted.

The balance of the structure will be painted in the late spring of 2020.

The town is now sourcing quotations to purchase a community information board, which will be used to inform residents of upcoming events in the neighbourhood, the community and town.

Steve Hardaker has lived in Glendale for nine years and is active in many community organizations.