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INUVIK
The playgrounds around Inuvik are stating to look a lot brighter, and they're not just for children anymore.

Rachel Blakeston, almost three, plays in one of the recently installed parks on Tuesday. - Danielle Sachs/NNSL photo

As of July 16, new playground equipment has been popping up around town.

"The old equipment was not to code," said Rose Constantineau, recreation co-ordinator for the Town of Inuvik.

"The playgrounds at Kingalok and Camsole crescents were replaced, although the finishing touches like swings and basketball courts are still to come."

Constantineau said while she didn't have the exact budget figures at the time, the playground equipment and installation came in under budget.

"The town council was really happy about that," she said.

On Alder Crescent, Donnie Dragon should soon be installed.

It's a smaller structure, meant for toddlers and kids at their skill levels.

The recreation department hasn't forgotten about adults and teens. A muscle builder is going into some of the green space near the boat launch.

"It's for adults or older people," said Constantineau.

The equipment for all the playgrounds was ordered last year but there was so much happening in Inuvik that construction would have had to constantly stop and start.

"It just wouldn't have been cost efficient," said Constantineau.

"The community was such a busy place and it makes more sense to get it done all at once."

In the less than two weeks since installation started, Constantineau said she's already been getting positive feedback from parents.

Connie Blakeston is one of those parents. She brought her daughter, Rachel, to the park on Kingalok Crescent.

"I think it's great," said Blakeston.

"She can do all these things by herself. I'd have to lift her up on the other one."

Blakeston also said she was really pleased with how fast the structure was put up, and how much safer it seems than the old equipment.

"I was worried that it would take forever to get a park when they took the old one down, now we're just waiting for the swings."

"It was really nice to be able to bring this to the community," said Constantineau.

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