By Tyler Marr

Construction begins on inclusive playground, amenity expansion at Alfred Jenkins Field House

Aug 12, 2018 | 9:21 AM

Malcolm Jenkins gingerly climbed into the cab of a large gravel truck waiting alongside the parking lot by the Alfred Jenkins Field House.

He looked on as the driver effortlessly maneuvered the beast of a machine around a torn up chunk of land west of the building. A backhoe loaded dirt in the open-box bed while a handful of other pieces of equipment milled about moving dirt and leveling land.

Though the site of black dirt and concrete would not excite many, Jenkins found it hard to contain his, as it meant progress on a soon-to-come mass amenity expansion at the location.

New basketball courts, soccer pitches, and an accessible playground will soon be erected, thanks largely in part to a sizable donation from the local philanthropist. 

The highlight of the $2.139 million expansion is a $1 million Inclusive Jumpstart Playground that will be one of Saskatchewan’s only fully inclusive playgrounds. The 10,000 square foot site will be in a triangular shape with a rubber surface and have equipment to support those with disabilities like autism, vision or mobility impairments. An example of this, according to Jenkins, is a merry-go-round with a wheelchair ramp.

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“Folks who have installed [the playgrounds elsewhere] say people come from hundreds of miles,” Jenkins said. “These kids are always on the outside looking in. Now, those kids can come here, so they can have access to a playground that has things for them.”

Eighty-two cities were in line for the project, and thanks to residents getting involved locally, Prince Albert scooted to the front, Jenkins said.

Also kicking in cash for the project is the Prince Albert Youth Soccer Association. They are footing $304,000 which will go towards two new regulation-size fields to help meet the growing need and lessen the organization’s dependence on school fields. 

Two outdoor basketball courts that can be converted to three-on-three are also slated for the development. Jenkins said with rising interest in this style of ball, he hopes to attract tournaments similar to one hosted in Saskatoon in July. He also said once the Rotary Trial is finished, he anticipates hosting a marathon in the city.

“The outlook is very, very bright,” he said.

Jenkins tentatively expects the project to open to the public sometime in early October.

tyler.marr@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JournoMarr