Richmond mayoral candidate proposes $1.2-million parks and playground budget

Richmond councillor Alexa Loo says she would increase the city’s park and playground renewal budget to $1.2 million if elected mayor in the Oct. 17 civic election.

Loo, who is running with the Richmond Strong party, said she would seek matching federal funding through the new “playground to podium” program to double the city’s current $600,000 budget for park and playground upgrades.

Ottawa announced the $755-million, five-year program on April 29 to support sports development across Canada. Loo said additional funding could be used to level playgrounds and improve accessibility, potentially by removing log barriers and adding rubberized surfaces.

Richmond has about 45 community playgrounds and currently upgrades three to four parks annually, Loo said. Doubling the budget could increase that to eight or nine parks a year.

Loo said many neighbourhood playgrounds are old, outdated and difficult to access, and lack enough benches for parents, grandparents and other caregivers. A former Olympian, she said more opportunities for outdoor play can help children develop strength, coordination and healthy minds.

The city is already renewing playgrounds at Agassiz Neighbourhood Park, Albert Airey Neighbourhood Park, Park Lane Neighbourhood Park, Richmond Olympic Oval Riverside Park, Sea Island Community Centre Park and Wowk Neighbourhood School Park. Construction is expected to begin next spring.