Seniors Fitness Circuit, Accessible Play Space Opened at Richmond’s Hugh Boyd Park
April 7, 2009
Both Richmond seniors and preschoolers now enjoy another option to mingle and recreate while getting some outdoor exercise. A new, senior’s fitness circuit and a preschool children’s play area, redesigned to meet accessibility needs, were officially opened Tuesday (April 7) at Hugh Boyd Park.
John Yap, MLA for Richmond-Steveston, Mayor Malcolm Brodie, Marika van Dommelen, an ambassador from the Rick Hansen Foundation and Hans Havas, chair of the West Richmond Community Association cut the ribbon under sunny skies at a brief ceremony in the park.
The first senior’s fitness circuit in Richmond was made possible by a $100,000 grant from ActNow BC Seniors Community Parks, a funding initiative by the provincial government to encourage seniors to live healthy, active lives. The West Richmond Community Association also contributed $100,000 to the circuit, while the City of Richmond contributed $300,000 and managed the project. The facility furthers the City’s goals and vision to be an appealing, livable and healthy community for all ages.
“Active living is vital to people of all ages,” said Mr. Yap. “Play helps children develop physically, socially and emotionally, and staying active and mobile is key for seniors to live healthy lives.”
Enhancements and updates to the children’s play area was made possible with a $50,000 grant from the Rick Hansen Foundation Let’s Play initiative, with a goal to make the pre-school portion of the play area universally accessible for both adult caregivers and children with mobility concerns.
“These new park features not only facilitate the well-being of our seniors, but provide another welcoming and comfortable opportunity for cross-generational, cross-cultural interaction in Richmond,” said Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “It’s another step in Richmond’s journey to being a healthy, livable community: inclusive, accessible and comfortable for all ages and welcoming to all cultures.
The play area is redesigned and includes new equipment, soft rubber surfaces, rocks, and a climbing hill designed around existing trees, making this area a pleasant place for children and adults. It is one of 21 projects across the province supported by the first round of funding from the $2.5 million Let’s Play initiative.
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“Let’s Play builds on the Province’s Disability Strategy, which includes a focus on service delivery, enhancing employment opportunities, and improving access to personal assistive devices,” said Healthy Living and Sport Minister Mary Polak. “The project at Hugh Boyd Park also builds on the goals outlined in the Seniors in BC: A Healthy Living Framework that supports older British Columbians in living healthier and more active lives.”
“Through the Province’s partnership with the Rick Hansen Foundation we have been able to create accessible and barrier-free play spaces throughout B.C,” said Education Minister Shirley Bond. “This site is unique as we have extended our partnership to include the City of Richmond to incorporate a fitness circuit for seniors.”
"Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this project a reality," said Rick Hansen, President and CEO of the Rick Hansen Foundation. "The play space at Hugh Boyd Park is an excellent example of people coming together around the common goal of making our communities more accessible and inclusive for everyone. It’s my hope that this play space and the others like it across British Columbia will benefit our communities for years to come."
Added Mayor Brodie: “We are grateful to our funding partners for their valued assistance and vision in making the seniors circuit and playground a reality.”
