New playground equipment and streetlights for Red Deer County

The school’s council was quoted a price of $53,643.90 plus GST for the equipment and installation.

The PTA has raised $30,000 and requested the County fund $26,327, to be taken from municipal reserves. As of Dec., 31, 2021, the reserves were $1,361,346 with a budgeted balance for the end of 2022 of $1,349,346.

“I think it will keep our kids healthy and happy and it’s open to the whole community which makes it a win-win for all,” said Councillor Christine Moore.

The school aims to order the equipment in May, estimating 16 weeks for the project.

The playground and surrounding area currently has a sliding hill for winter, playground equipment, tennis court, sandbox, two gaga ball pits, baseball diamond backstop and a basketball court.

Popular Ridge Elementary School (38458 Range Road 283) is part of the Chinook’s Edge School Division and enrolls 164 K-6 students.

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County council was also provided with an update this week on required streetlight improvements for roads in Springbrook and a request for funding from the municipal reserves to install solar lighting systems in public use areas.

An assessment by administration found four public use areas had no existing lighting. These included three playgrounds and one skatepark.

Considering solar lighting, administration recommended the installation of one solar light for two of the playgrounds and three lights for the skatepark. The installation of the five solar lights has an estimated total cost of $41,276 at $7,862 per unit.

As part of the assessment, administration updated they will be carrying out other minor improvements, adding one streetlight on Poplar Crescent, two in a turn-a-round bulb, and LED conversions on Pine Street, as it is the dimmest in the hamlet.

Street lighting improvements to Springbrook. (Red Deer County council agenda)

“I see it as a way to help the people of Springbrook as a growing community. If it’s dark, it’s not safe and we’ve got some money in reserves,” said Councillor Connie Huelsman.

An inquiry was also made to wash faded lenses as a way of preserving current decorative streetlights. Upon inspection by Fortis, the utilities company discovered the lenses were faded and discolored from long term sun exposure. With washing not a successful option, the company plans to replace the glass lenses in a string of 10 lights along Tamarac Boulevard this summer as a test to lighting conditions.

by Alessia Proietti

New playground equipment and streetlights for Red Deer County

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