Barnardo Park in Peterborough getting major makeover

Barnardo Park in Peterborough is getting a major facelift thanks to provincial funding.

On Wednesday morning, officials broke ground to mark the start of construction at the park which will include a new splashpad, play structures and upgrades to walkways and parking areas to make it an accessible park.

The project received a $300,000 grant through the Ontario150 Community Capital Program.

““Barnardo Park is a well-used community park — it has one of the city’s busiest wading pools, which is now more than 50 years old,” stated city Counc. Dave Haacke.

“We are excited to see it replaced with a new, modern splashpad, as identified in the City’s 10-year strategic plan for addressing outdoor water play. Families are going to love it.”

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Peterborough MPP Jeff Leal says the one-time grant — administered by the Ontario Trillium Foundation — is designed to help honour Ontario’s past, showcase the present and inspire future generations.

“The replacement of the aging play structures and the addition of a new splash pad will create a space that is accessible to all individuals and will foster active lifestyles and allow more families to enjoy this great park,” said Leal.

The project is expected to be completed by next spring.

“These upgrades will ensure that the community will continue to enjoy the park for many years,” said Coun. Andrew Beamer. “The Ontario150 Community Capital Program grant has allowed this project to be expanded significantly to include new playground equipment, upgrades to the parking areas and accessible features throughout the park.”