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Hoon Park’s playground renewal to become Abbotsford’s first natural play area

Research shows kids playing in nature have positive health outcomes
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The layout for the redevelopment of the Hoon Park playground. Photo courtesy of the City of Abbotsford

Kids playing in Hoon Park will soon be surrounded by a more natural environment as the city moves to renovate the old playground into the community’s first natural playground park.

The city’s decision to renovate the playground stems from research out of Tufts University showing kids playing in nature do so for longer periods of time and more frequently.

The new additions to the park will incorporate log ladders and balances, stepping tree stumps, boulders, hillside slides and bark mulch.

The development is a collaboration between the city and Archway Community Services which received grants from different foundations and private donors.

The project is currently open for bidding with the city and closes on Aug. 6.

Construction is expected to begin in August and its opening this fall will be marked by a celebration.