We’re part of the local community that has seen first-hand the positive impact Stadacona Park playground has had for families in Victoria. It’s been a space where kids play, families gather, and neighbours connect.

Recently, the playground was destroyed in a fire, which has been incredibly disappointing for many in the community who regularly used and enjoyed the space. This precious space was also one of the very few accessible play spaces in Greater Victoria.

We’re starting this fundraiser to help support efforts to rebuild the Stadacona Park playground and bring this space back for the community. The funds raised will be donated to the City of Victoria to support the rebuilding of the playground and help restore a space that many local families have come to value. If verification is required, please contact City of Victoria Councillor Jeremy Caradonna through the City of Victoria website. 

Any support is appreciated, whether that’s a donation or simply sharing this with others. Together, we can help bring this park back for the community.

Details regarding tax receipts will be shared as they become available.

Q&A:

Q: What happened to the playground?

A: The Stadacona Park playground was damaged by a suspicious fire in the early morning hours of Tuesday, March 31. The main play structure was destroyed and some of the surrounding play features sustained substantial damage. The swings – including the accessible swing – were not damaged and will be reopened to the public.

Q: When was the playground installed?

A: The playground opened to the public in October 2023. It replaced a wooden playground that was originally built in 1995 and was delivered as part of the City's annual park infrastructure renewal program.

Q: How much did the playground cost the City when it was installed?

A: The City invested approximately $725,000 to design and build the Stadacona Park playground. Currently, the cost of replacement is estimated between $300,000-$400,000.

Q: What were the features of the playground? What made it inclusive and accessible?

A: The Stadacona Park playground included two towers (one tall, one short), swings, climbers, in-ground trampolines, spinners, springers and natural elements with boulders and variable-height log step edging.

The entire playground had an accessible, rubberized play surface. It featured a ride-on wheelchair swing, a disc swing, a chair swing and a chair spinner. A gently sloping mound within the play area provided an accessible route to the lower landing in the tower, which featured activity panels and a small slide.

Q: How will the City cover the cost of replacing the playground?

A: The City will use its Capital Contingency Reserve budget to replace the playground. This budget is reserved for risks and unexpected expenses.

Q: Why wasn’t the playground insured?

A: The City generally does not insure infrastructure assets other than buildings. This approach has helped the municipality avoid significant insurance costs over time. Instead, the City maintains a contingency budget to address unexpected and urgent expenses, such as the cost of a new playground.

Q: How long will it take to replace the playground?

A: The City is working with playground suppliers to understand replacement options, lead times, and next steps. The City understands how important the playground is to the community and is committed to replacing it as quickly as possible.

Q: Will the new playground be the same design as the one that was destroyed?

A: The replacement structure may not be an exact duplication of the one that was destroyed but the City will aim to deliver a very similar playground, including the accessible and inclusive features that were an important part of the original structure.

Q: Is it safe to use the park in the meantime?

A: The city is asking the public to stay out of the fenced-off area. The rest of the park, including the green space, tennis courts and trails are safe and open for use.

Q: Can the public donate money to the playground replacement?

A: Yes. Several residents have started a GoFundMe page for those wishing to help expedite the restoration of the park. The City can accept cash donations from members of the public who wish to support replacement, and a small number of residents have already contacted the City with offers to contribute.

Q: Can the public donate temporary play equipment as an interim solution?

A: At this time, for safety, accessibility and liability reasons, the City cannot support community-led play structure installations. All playground equipment in City parks must meet specific safety and accessibility standards and be professionally designed and installed to ensure it is safe for everyone to use.