Washington’s oldest square is set to reopen its new playground later this year after a fire left it charred and dangerous for play.
The incoming Esther Short playground, near the western portion of the park, is an addition to the city of Vancouver’s Project Play initiative, which aims to incorporate at least one fully inclusive play area in each city park district. Harper’s Playground, a nonprofit that specializes in creating these playgrounds, and AKS Engineering designed the new model for Esther Short Park.
According to the project page on Be Heard Vancouver, it’s slated to be ready for playtime later this fall.
When complete, children of all abilities can expect to gallivant on adaptive equipment, including a seesaw, merry-go-round, climbing set and swings. Parents and guardians can enjoy looking at the play area’s black ornamental fencing and Victorian design elements, which pays homage to the area’s history.
The playground remodel cost about $800,000, which was drawn from funds collected from developers during the Vancouver Waterfront Park project. An additional $1 million from Real Estate Excise Tax, park impact fees and donations contributed to new restrooms similar to those found at the waterfront.
