City of St. John’s Officially Opens Galway Village Green Playground

The City of St. John’s is proud to announce the opening of the Galway Village Green Playground. The playground includes 6,500 square feet of accessible playground, a large multi-purpose court with basketball nets, a picnic area, trails and pathways and a dedicated parking area. 

“Today, we are proud to unveil the Galway Village Green Playground, a remarkable space where neighbours and residents can come together to enjoy the magic of play in a safe and inclusive environment,” said Mayor Danny Breen. “This is much more than a playground. Spaces such as this play an integral role in building connections between our residents, so they feel a sense of community and pride in our vibrant City.”

The new playground was constructed using universal design principles and is thoughtfully designed to accommodate physical, cognitive, and sensory disabilities. The playground has many standout features, including: 

• Poured-in-place rubber surfacing allowing for a barrier-free transition from pathways to play area. 
• Crab Trap with Alpine Slide: provides limitless climbing routes and challenges for children between 5-12 years old. Also includes a transfer station which allows kids of all abilities to experience the elevated play components. 
• Cube: a play structure that was designed to challenge developmental skills in a safe environment for children between 2-5 years old. The cube compacts 14 activities that will be sure to keep children busy and entertained.
• We-Saw: an updated version of a seesaw designed for ease of use for kids of all abilities. 
• We-Go-Round™: a merry-go-round designed so that children using mobility devices can wheel right in. 
• Cozy Dome: a special climber and getaway place for children who want a break from all the sights and sounds of the playground.
• Various spinners and a swing set.
• Rhapsody Vivo Metallophone: a musical area, similar to a xylophone, which provides auditory stimulation.

The opening of the playground marks the completion of Phase 1 of the overall Galway Village Green Park development project. The City of St. John’s invested nearly $1.9 million into the first phase of the project, with Galway Residential Development LP (partnership between Dewcor and Clayton Developments) providing the land.

“I would like to thank DewCor and Clayton Developments for their support in developing this new park,” said Ward 5 Councillor Carl Ridgeley. "This playground will provide this neighbourhood with more opportunities to connect with one another, fostering a stronger, more inclusive, and healthier community.”

Future phases will include a number of additional amenities, such as a splashpad, washrooms, community garden, social gathering area and additional green space and trail connectivity. 

More details on the development of this park area can be found at EngageStJohns.ca. 

The City of St. John’s has a strategic direction to be a Connected City, one where people feel connected, have a sense of belonging and are actively engaged in community life. The development of the Galway Village Green Park aligns with this direction by connecting residents with public spaces that build safe, healthy and vibrant communities.