Thousands of dollars in prizes are up for grabs in an online auction that’s raising money for a Red Deer playground project.
Bidding on the Waskasoo Community Association’s silent auction ends Sunday at 8 p.m. at www.32auctions.com/WaskasooPlayground.
All proceeds go to phase three of the community gardens playground project – which will add a natural play area to the community park at 45th Avenue and 58th Street.
“The playground project responds to two primary needs for the community, as outlined in the City of Red Deer Waskasoo Community Plan,” the auction webpage said.
“A century-old neighbourhood, Waskasoo has come under intense development pressures. Therefore, the City of Red Deer invested considerable time and expense to create a neighbourhood redevelopment and community plan.”
Early on in the research, it was determined that one of Waskasoo’s primary needs is a place for social interaction and community building.
“A study of the area’s demographics also revealed that more and more young families are purchasing homes in Waskasoo, a neighbourhood with no amenities for preschool children.”
The project’s third phase entails the replacement of “the current climbing structure with natural play equipment, nestled in a landscape of greenery, benches, tables and pathways beneath the existing cottonwoods and elms,” the association’s website said.
A community garden was installed in the first phase and a gazebo was built in the second phase.
An estimated $5,500 to $7,000 will be needed to hire a company to develop plans for the playground and about $260,000 is required to purchase and install equipment and landscaping.
Once a concrete plan for the playground layout and features is in place, the association said it will apply for provincial and corporate grants.
For more information, visit waskasoo.wordpress.com.
sean.mcintosh@reddeeradvocate.com
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