Final phase of upgrades to Kin Park to be completed by fall 2024

FORT ST. JOHN — Upgrades to the eastern portion of Kin Park are expected to be finished by the fall.

At a council meeting on April 22nd, S. Young Enterprises Ltd. was awarded the tender for the second and final phase of Kin Park improvements for $2,491,239.23.

In a report to council, city staff say the west side of Kin Park improvements have been completed, and work has begun on the improvements to the east side of the park.

The total budget for the eastern portion of park upgrades is projected at $4,480,000.

The awarded tender falls within the approved budget, according to Chief Administrative Officer Milo MacDonald in the report.

The city received a $994,500 grant through the Provincial Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program to complete the upgrades. The remaining funds will come from the Peace River Agreement.

Public notice of shutdowns in the park will be provided, but existing playgrounds will be kept open, according to the city. 

The improvements will include upgrading the asphalt parking lot, installing a playground, washrooms, a pump track, and more. 

The report says the outdoor washrooms, located near the playground and the parking lot, will have a consistent design based on the layout of other washrooms located at Mathew’s Park, Skate Park, Spray Park, and Festival Plaza. 

The washrooms will be built with stainless steel fixtures to reduce the impact of vandalism. 

A pump track is a circuit of rollers, banked turns and features designed completely for riders.

Since 2016, the city has been planning to install upgrades based on the Parks and Recreation Master Plan adopted by council.

Community input throughout 2019 and 2020 identified the need for an expanded bike track, as well as a scooter and skateboard circuit. 

The city first issued the now-awarded tender on March 20th, 2024.

All upgrades are expected to be completed by the fall of this year.

The full report can be viewed below: