NEW PLAY STRUCTURE TO HONOUR JUDE STRICKLAND

FACILITY CLOSED TO ALLOW WORK TO START

The fencing has already been installed around Eleanor Park in anticipation of the demolition and installation of a new playground structure in memory of Jude Strickland who tragically died on a nearby neighbourhood street after being struck by a pickup truck in 2020.

City officials said the contractor, Alpine Green Contracting of Hamilton, is "set to start" the project, but is waiting for the purchase orders to be completed, said Kara Bunn, manager of parks. She said the city's risk department staff still need to approve the insurance for the work.

The contractor, said Bunn, began work before the city had a chance to inform the community the park will be closed until May 2023. According to the city's website, the facility was closed Sept. 21.

Mountain Coun. Tom Jackson, who represents the area where the park is located, remained optimistic the work at the park, located at 80 Presidio Drive, will begin "as soon as possible." He said the climber and play structure, which will memorialize Strickland, is "paramount" to be completed.

The project also includes installing a wide asphalt pathway, a full multiuse court replacement, site restoration, drainage and grading work, including planting six new trees.

Alpine Green Contractors bid $479,998 and was awarded the contract earlier this year.

In March 2022, councillors agreed to spend $220,000 to upgrade the play area, which will be named the Jude Strickland Play Structure. The 11-year-old was walking home from school and crossing Royal Vista Drive at Upper Gage Avenue on Dec. 1, 2020 when he was struck. He died two days later in hospital.

The play structure will include a climbing feature, additional components and a commemorative plaque recognizing Strickland.

"Jude was taken from us and his family way too soon in life," Jackson said earlier this year when he introduced a motion at the March public works committee for the new play structure.

"The number of people who loved, who offered sympathies toward this young man is astounding."

The city, in consultation with the Strickland family, Templemead School officials and neighbourhood residents, collaborated to provide an acceptable design of the play structure to reflect Jude's fondness for climbing.