Kincardine council has approved playground equipment upgrades at both Kin-Huron Park and Lake Huron Highlands Park, after okaying additional funding for the project.
Council will add an additional $30,000 to the project budget, from the Lifecycle Reserve Fund, to make sure both playgrounds meet accessibility requirements.
There was originally $70,000 set aside in the budget to upgrade one of the two, as both parks are within half a kilometre of each.
Municipal staff sent out inserts for feedback from residents in the in the Birchwood and Parkwood neighbourhoods and the majority said both parks should be maintained.
"The community was sent 149 questionnaires and we somehow got back 267," said Councillor Bill Stewart. "There is two parks fairly close, but the Parkwood park is actually used by an incredible amount of people in Lorne Beach and Mystic Cove. We do not have a park in those two areas."
There was some discussion about whether it was a responsible choice by council to go over budget, but the usually fiscally conservative Stewart said it was an easy one to support.
"It's not a huge dollar amount, the community has spoken, I really do think this one's an easy one. The community wants it, they're taxpayers, I don't see a problem with taking out of Lifecycle and giving them what they want. They don't get a lot from us, they're out in the rural area, they're not in downtown, and I'm a firm believer that we need to sponsor more things in the rural area," he said.
Staff said if they're able to order the new components by mid-June, it is possible that installation could occur in late fall of this year.