• Construction Timeline

  Construction Timeline

  • July 7, 2025 – Site preparation and ground-breaking.
  • August 6, 2025 – Playground equipment delivery.
  • August 6–27 – Equipment installation (approximately 3 weeks).
  • Late August–mid-September – Rubber surfacing installation (2–3 weeks).
  • Mid to late September – Targeted completion and grand opening.

  All timelines are weather dependent. Safety fencing and signage will be in place throughout the construction period.

• Features and Accessibility

  The Jumpstart Inclusive Playground design includes a range of accessible features to support physical, social and imaginative play:

  • Double-wide ramps for easy navigation.
  • We-Go-Round and Sway Fun Glider for inclusive group play.
  • Ground-level and elevated accessible play features.
  • Rubberized safety surfacing to support mobility devices and reduce barriers.

  These features encourage children of all abilities to play together in a shared space that emphasizes inclusion, connection and active living.

• Community Engagement

  City staff engaged with the local neighbourhood association, the Lions Club and the Accessibility Advisory  Committee to gather feedback, provide information and answer questions about the project. Feedback  from these groups helped affirm Lions Park as the appropriate location and informed considerations around park access, seasonal amenities and safety during construction.

• Additional Support

  In addition to Jumpstart’s primary funding, the project is receiving further support through:

  • Local Canadian Tire operators David Dungey and Lisa Miller, who helped facilitate the Jumpstart contribution.
• Park Amenities and Access

  Lions Park offers seasonal washroom facilities and is a key feature in the City’s park system, located along a public transit route. Temporary accessible washrooms will be available throughout the playground's seasonal use period. 

  Spray park hours at Muskoseepi Park have also been extended to support increased usage while the Lions Park spray park is closed to support construction. 

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a Jumpstart Inclusive Playground?

  Jumpstart Inclusive Playgrounds are thoughtfully designed to remove physical and social barriers, allowing children of all abilities to play together. These spaces feature accessible surfacing, inclusive equipment, and wide ramps to support mobility and shared experiences.

  Learn more about Jumpstart Accessible Playgrounds.

• Where is the new playground being built?

  The new playground is being constructed in Lions Park, replacing the existing 19-year-old playground on a similar footprint . The location was selected in alignment with Jumpstart’s accessibility and site criteria.

• Will the spray park be affected?

  The spray park will remain unchanged, but it will be closed during construction to maintain a safe environment for all park users. It will reopen in 2026.

• When will construction begin and how long will it take?

  Construction begins July 7, 2025. The equipment installation starts in early August, followed by surfacing work. The playground is expected to be completed for a grand opening in mid to late September, weather permitting.

• Who is funding the project?

  Funding includes a $950,000 gift from Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, along with additional support from local Canadian Tire operators David Dungey and Lisa Miller.

  The remaining project costs are funded through the City of Grande Prairie’s capital budget.
   

• Why was Lion’s Park chosen?

  Lions Park met all the required criteria from Jumpstart, including:
  •    Central location with high visibility
  •    Access to public transit
  •    Existing washroom facilities
  •    Space for accessible parking and continuous pathways
  •    No significant drainage concerns 
  •    Existing play structure nearing the end of its lifecycle.
   

• What features will the playground include?

  Current plans for the playground include:

  • Double-wide ramps and smooth, accessible pathways.
  • Rubberized safety surfacing.
  • Inclusive equipment such as the We-Go-Round and Sway Fun Glider.
  • A variety of elevated and ground-level play features.
• Will there be accessible washrooms available?

  Yes. Temporary accessible bathrooms will be added to the site and available seasonally as part of the agreement with Jumpstart. Permanent washrooms already exist at Lions Park, with long-term upgrades planned within the next five years.

• Was community feedback part of the process?

  Yes. The City engaged with neighbourhood associations and the Accessibility Advisory Committee to provide detailed information and answer questions about location selection, design priorities and seasonal  accessibility.

• Will the construction area be closed to the public?

  Yes. For public safety, access to the construction area, including the playground and spray park, will be temporarily restricted. Signage and fencing will be in place throughout the construction period.

• Have more questions?

  Contact AccessGP at 311 or email info@cityofgp.com for more information.