New Playground

Planning to Play!
A new playground will be located off Beaver Cres. in the Resort Subdivision of Ramsey Bay. Please see the FAQs below for more information about the playground project.

FAQs

Last updated March 13, 2023. This date does not include edits of a minor nature.

Why is a playground being built?

• Northern Municipal Services and the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport have collaborated to increase outdoor recreation opportunities for both residents and Recreation Site visitors.

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What is the budget? How will the playground be funded?

• The anticipated cost of equipment may range between $100,000-$120,000 (the average cost of a smaller playground). Playground equipment is being paid for by Northern Municipal Services using funds from a special account that can only be used for spending on parks and green space anywhere in the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District. Liability insurance will be paid by Northern Municipal Services.

What is the effective date and expiry date of the lease between Northern Municipal Services (NMS) and Parks, Culture and Sport (PCS)? 

• Northern Municipal Services and the Ministry of Parks Culture and Sport have signed a lease effective April 2022 and expiring March 2043. 

What locations were considered? 

• The area south of the community hall lease was chosen because: 1) the community hall area is already established as a community area, 2) it is the most level section of the lease area, 3) it is not covered by an existing lease, 4) it is adjacent to road access. 
• The beach was not considered as this area is under lease to Ramsey Bay Campground, so it would be up to the lessee to pay for, install and maintain a new playground. This area is also closed from mid-September to mid-May, making a playground inaccessible for most of the year.

How was the size of the lease area determined? What is the size of the playground?​

• The size of the lease area was selected to meet CSA standards for the minimum area required around any play structure and to allow for possible future expansion of the play structure or other recreational elements that could serve the community.
• The area for the play equipment specifically will measure about 80' x 80' and is planned to be located in the north east section of the lease, close to the community hall, and where the ground is most level. The play area will be cleared of trees but the remainder of the lease will remain as natural as possible.

How will people access the playground? Will there be parking and safety/road signage? 

• Access will be from the north end of Beaver Cres. Most traffic is expected to be foot traffic, but there will be a small parking area on the lease to accommodate 5-7 vehicles.
• If required, several trees may be removed near the access on Beaver Cres. to create proper site lines. 
• Signage is planned to notify drivers that a playground is nearby and to use the Beaver Cres. north access. Speed limits will likely be reduced in this area.
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What about noise concerns for nearby property owners?

• There will be a 50' buffer between any property boundary and the lease boundary and roughly an 150'-250' buffer between property boundaries and the edge of the playground area itself. This means that there will be no parking directly behind the properties along Chipmunk Pl. and that the previously cleared area behind Chipmunk Pl. will not be used as a parking area. 
• Other elements that address noise concerns include:
  • As noted above, the playground itself is planned to be located on the north east side of the lease, away from properties on Chipmunk Pl.
  • The playground access will be located at the north end of Beaver Cres. and any vehicle traffic will be directed to use the north end of Beaver Cres. through new road signage
  • Trees will only be cleared for the playground area, not the entire lease area.
    
    

Why is there a 10 ft buffer between the playground lease and the community hall lease?

• The 10 ft buffer between the two leases ensures there is some separation yet close enough so that recreational amenities can be enjoyed by all.

What is the target age of the playground?

• The target age group is ages 5-12 and a variety of play elements will be included.

What playground equipment is being proposed? 

• Nature and Woodsy theme
• Climbing apparatus (monkey bars)
• 2 slides (one for ages 2-6, one for ages 5+)
• Swings ( The setup of three swings, one toddler swing, one disc swing is a good fit)
• Teeter totter
• Bucket spinner
• “Back Hoe” type of play equipment* “dig rigs”
• Merry go round
• One toddler bouncer
• Zipline (if possible)
  
  

Will there be lighting?

• Lighting is not part of the plan at this time. 

Is the design and building timeline confirmed?

• The playground design is not confirmed and there is no set construction date. 

Who will be responsible for maintenance (equipment safety, weed control, fallen trees, etc.) and liability insurance? 

• Northern Municipal Services will be responsible for playground maintenance. Northern Municipal Services will arrange for regular maintenance but if the public sees an issue they can email NMS@gov.sk.ca or call 1-800-663-1555.
• NMS will carry liability insurance as required by the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport in the amount of $2 million dollars.

How can I provide feedback on the playground? Is there a playground committee?

• There is a local Playground Planning committee. The Playground Committee is not affiliated with any association or group. Please contact committee Chair Lindsay Kuppenbender for more information: lindsayguinan@hotmail.com.
• You can also provide feedback to Northern Municipal Services at NMS@gov.sk.ca. 
• Northern Municipal Services and the Playground Committee work together on this project and communicate regularly.

What are the next steps? 

• Request for Proposals (RFP): Northern Municipal Services will be finalizing the RFP in early March. It will be posted on SaskTenders. Once the deadline passes, Northern Municipal Services will provide the Playground Committee a summary of the designs submitted for review and recommendation. 
• The RFP will seek submissions for playground elements proposed by the Playground Committee (see previous FAQ) that will fit within a 80x80 building envelope, playground installation, development of a small parking area and playground access from Beaver Cres., and related activities. 

 
Where can I find updates on the playground progress? 

• This webpage will be updated as plans progress, so please check back every so often. 
• The initial FAQs and poster were mailed out to all property owners in summer 2022.
• Contact any Playground Committee member. The Playground Committee is not affiliated with any association or group. Lindsay Kuppenbender is the Chair and can be contacted at lindsayguinan@hotmail.com for more information.​

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