Bedford Waterfront Gets Barrier-free Play Structure

WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT CORP.--Bedford Waterfront Gets Barrier- free Play Structure

DeWolfe Park on the Bedford waterfront is home to a new activity area for children.

Waterfront Development Corporation Limited and the Halifax Port Authority, in association with Halifax Regional Municipality, officially opened the HAIDA, a new play structure, at DeWolfe Park today, Sept. 16.

Participating in the event were Minister of Economic Development Ernest Fage, Halifax Regional Municipality Mayor Peter Kelly, Alan Abraham, Jr., chair of the board of directors for the Halifax Port Authority, and Eric Thomson, chair of the board of directors for Waterfront Development Corporation Limited.

The play boat is loosely based on the HMCS HAIDA, a Tribal class destroyer of British design. Originating in the late 1930s, the vessel was captained by Commander Harry George DeWolfe, for whom the park is named.

"I am so pleased for the children and community of Bedford that all three levels of government co-operated to bring this project to a reality," said Mr. Fage, the Minister responsible for Waterfront Development Corporation.

The HAIDA play area is 1,700 square feet overall, 63 feet long and 30 feet high to the top of the mast. It features a completely rubberized safety surface and portions of the structure are of barrier free design, allowing ease of access for children with mobility challenges.

"An activity centre like this gets children outside and engaged with their environment. It is a perfect opportunity to combine physical exercise with a fun activity," said Mr. Thomson. "As we begin construction on the South Jetty and extension of the boardwalk along the Bedford waterfront, this new play structure is in keeping with our mandate to plan developments that allows for public enjoyment of the waterfront."

"DeWolfe Park is enjoyed by the residents and families in the surrounding area and it is important to remember that access to open space is vital in the development of a community," said Mr. Kelly. "The HAIDA is a wonderful addition to the park and we were pleased to be able to offer our support."

"Public spaces keep our local communities vibrant," said Mr. Abraham. "The Halifax Port Authority applauds the effort to enhance DeWolfe Park and create a structure with a nod to our naval heritage."

Waterfront Development Corporation initially proposed the $80,000 project. The Halifax Port Authority and Halifax Regional Municipality were enthusiastically supportive and provided financial support in the amount of $35,000 and $10,000 respectively. The municipality also donated the land. Henderson Recreation Limited was the contractor for the project.