Resident Sitka Porter asked for swings, and our Parks team delivered!

The Belmont Park Tot Lot at 709 Cumberland Avenue recently received a facelift to include a swing set, thanks to a petition started by the 7-year-old local advocate. 

Previously, the park featured a slide and monkey bars, but Sitka enlisted the help of some friends to ask the City to make some improvements to the neighbourhood playground, including swings which Sitka declared “essential for a park.”

Sitka’s petition received approximately 300 signatures and the decision was made to install the swing set. 

The “new” tot lot swings are re-purposed from the recent Albert McGowan Park Upgrades Project, and as such, no additional funds were required to purchase new equipment.

The City commends Sitka for their initiative and activism, emphasizing the importance of engaging youth in community improvements.

Thanks to local youth activism, other park infrastructure that has popped up over the years include the longboard park at Highland Park on Pacific Way and the Rae-Mor Skate Park in Rayleigh.

“If you have a great idea that meets the community’s needs, it’s possible to bring it to life. It’s all about putting in the effort,” said Jeff Putnam, the City’s Parks and Streets Manager.