When Mayor Doug Kobayashi stepped up to the mic to speak in front of throngs of children, he knew he needed to keep things brief – their attention was firmly fixed on what was behind him: Colwood’s newest attraction, Quarry Park playground.
“You don't want to hear me speak, do you?” he said, the crowd responding with cheers. “Kids always tell the truth.”
Hailed as the Capital Region District’s largest playground, the attraction, located in the Royal Bay neighbourhood, boasts accessible and inclusive features for all youngsters, including a three-level castle, a pirate ship, a communication wall, sensory play structures and other nature inspired play elements, all made from sustainable wood, much of it handcrafted on the south Island.
“I love it,” said Natalie Stroh, whose three-year-old daughter Camila Valdez Stroh, was one of the many children to experience the playground for the first time. “My daughter is one of the reasons I moved here … the great schools around the area, the playgrounds … it’s wonderful.
“I don't think there's a better spot to live on the Island - you’ve got everything here.”
The new playground is the first of many attractions to open in the 16-acre park.
In the summer, visitors will be able to enjoy new walking trails connecting them to Latoria Creek Park, a bike pump track, a bike jump park “for the very brave” and a large open green space to relax, picnic or play.
“We are doing our best to make Colwood the most family-friendly community in the West Shore and Greater Victoria,” said Ben Mycroft from Path Developments, the team who have been working in collaboration with the City of Colwood.
“Community well-being is one of Colwood's key strategic priorities, and that's why we have this new playground,” added Kobayashi. “This is what it's all about: kids and families getting outside, being active and being in the fresh air.”
The city already has plans to expand the 16-acre park, adding 4.6 acres.
Endorsed by the city in November last year, the expansion concept plan allows for additional sports fields, change rooms, an outdoor covered area, space for a potential future community centre and public washrooms. “That's for old people like me, and we need them,” joked Kobayashi.
In addition, the park is located next to a school site owned by School District 62, which will offer additional opportunities for playgrounds and playing fields.
“These new places in our community to gather and celebrate, exercise, or just relax, are all adding to the health and well-being of our entire community,” Kobayashi said.
