There was plenty of excitement when the near $14M park at Smithe and Richards first opened in spring 2022, but in the last year, it seems there's trouble in play paradise as the Park Board fields complaints from neighbours.
The "park of the future," officially named sθәqәlxenәm ts'exwts'áxwi7 by the Host Nations, was built with accessibility in mind according to a Park Board spokesperson. However, the roller slide (made up of a series of rotating metal cylinders), which removes the risk of static electricity build-up for those with cochlear implants, has prompted noise complaints.
The spokesperson says that the Park Board is trying to balance the various needs of the community in a heavily-populated urban area, particularly at night.
"The original decision to install a roller slide at sθәqәlxenәm ts'exwts'áxwi7 was guided by the Park Board’s commitment to creating accessible park spaces. As playgrounds are built and renewed across the city, we are working towards incorporating state-of-the-art play equipment with accessible features and elements to help enhance our network of welcoming and inclusive play spaces," they explain.
In late summer 2022, the slide was temporarily closed as a result of the noise complaints and to assess mechanical failures caused by heavy, and unintended, use of the play structure.
"We have been working closely with the slide supplier on a solution to keep the slide in place, but unfortunately this isn’t possible and the roller side will be replaced by a traditional (non-roller) slide, anticipated to be later this year," says the spokesperson.
In a sign posted at the park, the Board also claims that they looked into a fix that may allow the slide to operate at a lower volume but found that wasn't possible.
Online, many Vancouverites are reacting to the decision with disappointment and a fair amount of mocking. Locals are calling out the Park Board for giving in to the complaints. One person calls Vancouver a "deeply unserious city," while another says they're "very tired of living in a city that thinks it’s a retirement community."
The roller slide remains closed to the public but the rest of the park is open.
"Our Park Development team will continue to consider the design of the replacement slide through an accessibility lens," promises the Park Board.
