New Playground Coming to Arbour Lake This Fall

After more than a decade of community effort, Arbour Lake is finally set to score a major win for families: a brand-new playground at the Arbour Lake Resident's Association (ALRA) building. Construction kicks off this month, with a grand opening targeted for October.

The long drive down the field

For roughly 13 years, the playground right outside the ALRA building, home to Childsplace Learning Daycare, has been out of bounds for the centre’s kids. The City considered the equipment to meet municipal standards, but provincial licensing rules did not, so the daycare couldn’t use the space.

Early last year, the City fenced the site and posted signs saying the equipment had reached the end of its lifecycle and would be removed later in the year. That was the turning point: the community huddled up and started planning the next drive.

A team effort to cross the goal line

Over nearly a year of volunteer-led negotiations, the ALRA worked through funding, design, and approvals. clearing hurdles one by one. Special thanks to Drew McNichol (ALRA Playground Chair), Elaine Roy, Craig Somers, and the entire ALRA board for their persistence and leadership in moving this project across the goal line. 

The result is a modern, inclusive playspace that better serves daycare children, local families, and the wider neighbourhood.

Game timeline

• Kickoff (construction start): September 2026
• Target grand opening: October 2026

When the ribbon is cut this fall, it will mark the end of a long drive and the start of many seasons of safe, accessible play right outside the daycare and community hall.