‘Wow-worthy’ Benson Center playground may need bigger budget

A map from a City of Cornwall council agenda shows the proposed spot for a 'wow-worthy' playground structure at the Benson Center. City council will decide Monday, Sept. 28, 2020 whether to add $50,000 to the $100,000 budget for the play unit to get that wow factor. (City of Cornwall via Newswatch Group)

CORNWALL – Cornwall city councillors will decide tonight (Sept. 28) whether to add another $50,000 to the $100,000 budget for a ‘wow-worthy’ playground at the Benson Center.

Council delayed approving the terms for contractors to bid on the project two weeks ago as Coun. Glen Grant wanted something “unique enough to draw attention to it” on the grass immediately north of the east side doors.

“We want people to remember our community and coming into the Benson Center, most of the people bring their families with them and having a uniqueness of a structure will keep that in their mind and talk about Cornwall,” Grant said.

The money would come from the city’s Federal Gas Tax allotment.

The play unit would be in red, black, white and grey to match the Benson Center.

There is also $120,000 budgeted to replace the playgrounds in Aime LeBlanc Park and Francis Guindon Park at $60,000 each. That will be covered mostly by municipal taxpayers.

If approved, the request for bids would go out this fall with the play units installed next spring.