Bell Park Playground Renewal Project

Project Update: Consultation Results + Construction Timeline

Thank you to everyone who participated in Phases One and Two of the community consultation for the Bell Park Playground Renewal. Phase Two ran from early May to early June 2025 and included a proposed site realignment and two new playground design options based on feedback from Phase One. Staff connected with over 40 park users on-site and received input from 78 participants both in person and online.

Feedback showed strong support for Playground Option Two, along with clear requests for a more inclusive and accessible design, as well as more swings. Most participants supported relocating the playground closer to the baseball fields, washrooms, and parking lot to better serve families. The Ladner Minor Baseball Association also expressed its support for the site realignment plan. There was also strong community interest in improving drainage and planting more trees for shade.

Based on this feedback, Playground Option Two has been selected as the base design. The final design will now include:

• A barrier-free accessible merry-go-round
• A molded bucket swing seat for inclusivity
• Expanded rubber surfacing for accessibility
• Seating area with benches and picnic table

To meet requests for more swings, the existing swing set will stay, with all seats converted to belt swings. The remaining old play equipment will be removed.

The proposed Site Realignment Plan was presented to Council in June and approved. The detailed design for the site realignment plan is in progress and updates will be provided when available. The realignment plan includes:

• Moving the playground to the east side of the park, closer to amenities
• Shifting the under-5 baseball diamond to make room for the new playground
• Planting trees to improve shade
• Upgrading baseball backstops
• Addressing field drainage issues

Construction Timeline

• Start: Late August 2025
• Completion: Fall 2025

Overall Playground Design

Phase 2 Community Engagement: Design Update

The City of Delta is excited to launch Phase 2 of community engagement for the Bell Park Playground Renewal Project. The existing playground is nearing the end of its life and is scheduled for replacement in 2025.

In Phase 1, we gathered community feedback on the new playground through an online feedback form, see below for a summary of What We Learned. This input guided our playground designs. Many participants highlighted the importance of improving accessibility and creating a more inclusive playground. Based on this feedback, we’ve created two exciting playground design options and a proposed Site Realignment Plan to better serve park users.

What’s New in the Site Realignment Plan?

1. Relocating the playground to the east side of the park (near 59 Street) to improve accessibility and be closer to amenities.
2. Shifting the ball diamond for children under age 5 to make room for the new playground.
3. Planting trees in low-use and wet areas to support stormwater management and boost the park’s urban canopy and biodiversity.
4. Improving field drainage with basic interventions such as swales and re-grading low spots, as part of the broader Ball Diamond Improvements Project.

Ball Diamond Improvements Project

The existing backstops at both ball diamonds are at the end of their lifespan and will be replaced. As part of these improvements, the project will include:

• New backstop, accessible dugouts and benches for north ball diamond (ages 9 and under)
• New backstop for south diamond (ages 5 and under)
• New irrigation system for north ball diamond
• Installation of permanent outfield fencing for north ball diamond
• Upgraded field drainage for both ball diamonds

Have Your Say

We want to hear your thoughts on the playground designs for Bell Park and which one you think will work best, as well as the proposed Site Realignment Plan.

Please fill out the feedback form at the bottom of this page by June 2, 2025.

You can also meet us in-person at Bell Park on the following days:

• Saturday, May 24, 2025 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
• Tuesday, May 27 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm

See below for the proposed playground options and features.

Click Here for detailed information on the playground design options.

Proposed Playground Design Options

Both playground design options include: rubber safety surfacing for wheelchair access to key locations, unique climbing features for ages 2–12, sensory play panels, slides, and swings.

Option 1 Features:

• Play structure with ramp access for children using mobility devices
• Balance beam path to build coordination and move between play areas
• Seat spinner
• Three swings - baby swing, belt seat, and inclusive swing seat

Option 2 Features:

• Tree-top themed play structure with built-in shade and transfer points for children using mobility devices
• Butterfly rocker
• Seat spinner
• Two swings - baby swing and belt seat

Proposed Site Realignment Plan

Phase 1 Community Engagement: What We Learned

In January 2025, we invited the community to participate in Phase 1 of the community engagement for the Bell Park Playground Replacement. We mailed letters to 268 nearby residents, posted signage in the park, and collected feedback through a feedback form at letstalk.delta.ca.

Thank you to the 65 residents who participated!

Key Themes from Your Feedback:

Location

• Move the playground closer to washrooms/concession for accessibility and supervision.
• Reduce proximity to walkways linked with undesirable activity.
• Place the playground near the ball fields for visibility and safety.

Accessibility & Inclusion

• Add paved paths and curb cuts at access points.
• Ensure equipment is inclusive for children with disabilities and sensory needs.
• Improve connections from nearby streets and parking areas.

Playground Design

• Preference for rubberized surfacing over mulch.
• Include more swings and a larger play structure.
• Offer play elements for both younger (ages 3–5) and older children.

Amenities & Shade

• Add more seating and picnic tables.
• Plant additional trees for natural shade.

Drainage Issues

• Park becomes muddy and unusable for parts of the year.
• Suggestions included regrading and better drainage design.

Project Background

The existing playground at Bell Park is at the end of its lifespan and will be replaced in 2025.

Our goal is to install the new playground by Fall 2025.

If you have questions about the project or would like to discuss your thoughts and feedback with us, you can find our contact information on this page.