When the non-profit group that runs Kivi Park announced plans to bring in user fees last month, some nearby residents were worried they would lose free access to the newly refurbished playground.
Formerly known as Long Lake Playground, Kivi Park took over the structure from the city and replaced the outdated play equipment. When plans to charge annual fees were announced, some residents took to Kivi's social media page to complain that the only free play structure in the area was being lost.
“And now families that live in walking distance are going to have to pay-to-play on play structures, because the ones at their playground were removed and not replaced, because something better was coming,” one person wrote.
While Kivi Park has said low-income people can apply to have the fees waived, a report headed to city council June 25 says staff will work to keep the playground area free.
“The city’s position is that a user fee to access playground equipment is not consistent with the spirit of the city’s population health priority of ‘Play’ and universal access to play opportunities,” the report said. “Staff will ensure that free access to this part of the park infrastructure remains part of any future agreement.”
Kivi Park includes both municipal and private land, built using contributions from the Clifford and Lily Fielding Charitable Foundation, with more than $3 million invested in capital improvements and operating costs. At more than 300 acres, Kivi is the city’s largest park, 23 times bigger than Bell Park. The report estimates it costs about $200,000 a year to maintain the area, which is why user fees are being imposed through annual memberships and parking fees.
The report recommends the park receive a $25,000 annual community grant, and that the park receive an annual grant equivalent to the area's property taxes – about $13,862 a year. The city would also cover the costs to inspect and maintain the new playground equipment – about $8,000 a year – as well as the costs of the portable toilets ($4,500).
“The rationale for supporting Kivi Park operations are to continue to ensure it remains a sustainable facility, to ensure that fees for access to play are not required and to aid the foundation in keeping user fees affordable,” the report said.
