The Wakamow Valley Authority says the 'Challenge Course' playground in Connor Park should be fully repaired within weeks, barring any construction delays, after languishing for nearly three years following an accident that destroyed some of the equipment.
The Connor Park Challenge Course has been unsafe and fenced off since just past midnight on Oct. 31, 2020, when a vehicle went airborne off the nearby road embankment and rolled right over the playground.
The Moose Jaw Police Service said at the time that they believed alcohol was a factor in the single vehicle accident. The vehicle's two occupants were transported to the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital with serious, but non-life threatening injuries.
The community was understandably exasperated, as the park had only been open for just over a year — the official opening was held Sept. 22, 2019.
It was the city's first obstacle course-style playground, and it took years of fundraising to build.
Donna MacQuarrie-Bye became the Wakamow Valley Authority general manager in December 2022, following former GM Todd Johnson's departure to take a position with the Saskatchewan Health Authority.
"What I can tell you regarding the (Connor Park Challenge Course) is that our staff are working on the area this week," MacQuarrie-Bye told MooseJawToday.com on Sept. 19. She acknowledged that frustration from area residents is understandable.
"We are thankful for everyone's patience. Construction sometimes takes time, especially with specialized equipment like that in Connor Park," she added. "The process doesn't always go as smoothly as we would like. Our intent is to have it done to completion very soon ... provided there are no construction delays."
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