During the April 12 council meeting, Chatham-Kent councillors approved both the playground and trails 2021 lifecycle projects.
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Outdoor enthusiasts might see some upgrades to trails and playgrounds across Chatham-Kent in the near future.
Administration is recommending $1.3-million worth of improvements for trails around the municipality.
Councillors will vote on the projects during Monday night's council meeting.
Back in 2009, council at the time approved the Trails Master Plan as a framework to guide in the planning and development of trails throughout Chatham-Kent. According to the staff report, the short-term projects identified within the master plan have all been successfully completed.
Since the pandemic began, municipal officials have reported that local trail usage has seen a big increase.
A majority of the projects being recommended by staff will benefit trails across Chatham-Kent. Some of the improvements include installing portable washrooms on select trails as well as bike repair and storage stations. Staff is also recommending that any trails that have been substantially damaged be repaired.
Additionally, staff is recommending the construction of a new 490-metre trail within the Meadows neighbourhood in Chatham and the installation of the next phases of the CASO Trail in Ridgetown and Blenheim.
If approved, $875,000 for the projects will come from the Trails Lifecycle Reserve and $507,000 through the CASO Trail Reserve Fund.
Meanwhile, staff is also bringing a separate report forward recommending $711,500 worth of projects for playground equipment through the Playground Equipment Lifecycle Reserve.
Ferguson Park in Thamesville is up for a new play structure to replace the existing equipment, which is 21 years old. If approved, Moose Park in Chatham could also be getting its play unit replaced.
You can find a complete list of playground upgrades that are being recommended by staff by clicking here.