North Bay, ON – June 9, 2023 – Mayor Peter Chirico was joined today by representatives of the North Bay Police Service and the North Bay Police Association to celebrate the opening of the newly revitalized Police Playground on Stones Street.
"I’m extremely pleased to see the rejuvenation of this long-established neighbourhood park and I look forward to seeing a new generation of families with children enjoy this space,” said Mayor Chirico.
The new playground equipment, which was a recommendation of the City’s Parks Master Plan, includes many accessible components and ground-level play events to encourage and allow for group play and inclusion for everyone.
In addition to the playground equipment, the project involved a larger revitalization of the park which began last spring and includes a defined parking area, new grass, landscaping, pathways, benches, trees, and rink boards.
The project represents a total investment of approximately $225,000, which was funded through an ongoing annual component of the City’s capital budget earmarked for park and playground revitalization.
The park was originally established in the late 1950s thanks to the sponsorship at that time of the North Bay Police Association which collected donated materials and in-kind services for its construction. The association also made use of the rink boards from the old King Street Arena, which was replaced by Memorial Gardens. Following its construction, the park was operated for some time by a board that was created by the association.
North Bay Police Chief Scott Tod and representatives of the Police Association, including retired former members who were involved, were on hand to celebrate the playground opening.
“The North Bay Police Association is proud to have played a role creating this park decades ago and our membership are thrilled to see the excellent revitalization work completed by the City,” said Sergeant Vincent Corrente, President of the North Bay Police Association. “We look forward to all the fun memories children and families will make at the Police Playground in the coming years.”