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At the beginning of 2021, Canadian Tire Jumpstart (Jumpstart) approached the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department regarding a potential partnership for outdoor accessible recreation facilities. After discussing options, Jumpstart’s Board of Directors would like to donate an accessible playground and spray pad. At this point in time, the selected site is at the Sportplex, in close proximity to the site of the proposed indoor aquatic centre.
As this donation exceeds $100,000, the acceptance of these new assets must be approved by Council.
The Official Community Plan – Design Regina
This project aligns with Design Regina: The Official Community Plan Bylaw No 2013-48. The project clusters several new recreation amenities at the site of the Sportplex, creating an opportunity for residents to meet and socialize while participating in recreational opportunities.
The Recreation Master Plan
This accessible recreation project is consistent with the Recreation Master Plan, which directs administration that “Where appropriate, public recreation opportunities, facilities, and spaces will be grouped with other sport, culture and recreation opportunities to achieve economic efficiencies, expand use, and maximize the provision of sport, culture and recreation opportunities at centralized locations.”
Financial Impacts
Jumpstart is proposing the donation of an accessible playground and spray pad at an estimated cost of $1.2 million. As part of the partnership agreement, the City of Regina (City) will be responsible to fund the site excavation, water and electrical service installation and concrete curbing for the project. Although the exact costs of these items are unknown at this time, it is estimated that they will be approximately $250,000. These costs will form part of the budget request for the indoor aquatics facility in 2023. The City’s portion of funding for the indoor aquatics facility is accounted for in the Recreation and Culture Capital Plan.
Accessibility Impacts
Accessibility is a priority for the City and Jumpstart for this project. Jumpstart’s vision is to create large-scale, inclusive playgrounds in every province and territory across Canada. Leveraging universal design principals, Jumpstart’s goal is to ensure that these playgrounds become the standard for inclusivity by creating imaginative and inclusive spaces where children of all abilities can share in the magic of play.
Option 2: Do not accept the donation
This is not a recommended option as this is a significant donation that will have a significant impact on the North Central neighbourhood and Regina as a whole.
The City’s Communications & Engagement Department will work closely with the Canadian Tire Jumpstart media team to make public announcements at key points throughout the project. In addition, once construction is complete a community celebration will be held to recognize Jumpstart’s contribution.
Jumpstart, which was founded in 2005, is working towards creating a more inclusive Canada, where all kids can access sport and play. Since 2005, Jumpstart has disbursed $200 million across Canada, created opportunities for more than 2.4 million children and has supported 70 different sports and activities, such as swimming, soccer, hockey, and dance.
In January 2021, Jumpstart approached the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Department to begin partnership discussions and planning for a project to be delivered in 2023. It was determined, through discussions, that the selected project location will be the site of the Sportplex and future home of the potential new indoor aquatics facility. This location is preferred as it is centrally located, close to downtown and the Regina Exhibition Association Limited Campus and is part of the North Central community. In addition, there are opportunities for synergies with the new indoor aquatics facility, such as access to accessible washrooms and changerooms.
Once the location was selected Jumpstarts Board of Directors then decided on the recreation facilities that would be donated to the City, which will include a 7,500 square foot accessible playground and 2,000 square foot accessible spray pad. This donation is valued at approximately $1.2 million. In recognition of this donation, Jumpstart will require the playground and spray pad to be named the Jumpstart Playground and Spray Pad, for the life of the facilities. In addition, there is also a requirement for signage to recognise any local suppliers and sponsors that provide support to the project.
If this donation is approved, planning for these facilities will be completed as part of the planning for the indoor aquatic facility, with construction of the playground and spray pad to take place in 2023.
The recommendation contained within this report requires City Council approval.
Respectfully Submitted, Respectfully Submitted,
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