Their roots go back to 1917 when Simon F. Scott founded a blacksmith shop. This humble operation has evolved to become Canada’s longest-standing maker of playground and park equipment. Now into their second century of operation, they continue to design and craft a vast array of playground and park products at their headquarters in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada.

In December 2024, promotion of the survey and upgrade project began in the neighbourhood. This included presentations to facilities and neighbourhood boards as well as mailers to the 1,000 residents surrounding the park. Residents were asked to complete a brief survey online, in person, or over the phone to understand neighbourhood preferences for upgrade options.

Results of the survey are available to read here.

A summary of the survey results show:

🐾 The trails are used often, and the greenspace is used most often as an off-leash area for dogs. The playground is less used though still used.

🤾‍♀️ Most respondents preferred a recreation-themed playground to replace the current playground. The current playground is at end of life, this is the primary driving factor for its replacement. Additionally, Simon F. Scott Memorial Park is named after the founder of the local company, Blue Imp. Blue Imp is Canada’s leading playground manufacturer. A partnership with this company is being explored for the playground replacement.

🏋️‍♂️💺 Most residents were supportive to the idea of the fitness equipment stations within the park. Bocce ball and horseshoes were the most popular additional amenity choices. There was strong support for additional seating and a shaded area for family picnics and gatherings. Seating should accommodate accessibility needs. Suggestions to consider sun and wind so that there are a range of options available.

🌾 Drought resistance fescue grass was supported by most people. Pollinator habitat was seconded, however, one resident emailed to say they were allergic to pollinators.

💡 A small majority indicated they preferred no lighting or “as is.” If lighting were to be installed, most thought this should be along the trail with the playground being second. Given this was a mixed response, low-impact lighting in select locations might be best tolerated. Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design principles show that bright strategically placed lighting actively deters criminal/vagrant activity, which was brought up as a concern for some especially related to the seating and shade areas.

♿ Additional comments around accessibility and safety included: a ramp on Vintage Meadows Place; additional seating throughout the park for rest stops; a cross walk to Park Meadows Estates; safer and/or additional parking; and traffic calming. Public washrooms were a suggestion for accommodating older adults in the area. There was concern that the current park was not kept up and many felt that maintenance was important.

What exactly do you have the power to influence

We want to hear from you! Please keep in mind that we are balancing feedback from all local residents who participate in this project. Your input will help us discover the most popular ideas for the park!

1. Share what activities you enjoy and where they happen in the park. This will guide us in placing trails, turf, trees, and drought-resistant landscaping options.

2. Tell us your preferences for alternative landscaping options. This will help us understand neighbourhood preferences for drought resistant alternative landscaping options (in addition to turf) as well as the best locations for this type of landscaping.

3. Options for the playground and amenities you would like to see in the park. The information you provide will help us to determine which amenity options are most supported.

4. Give us your thoughts on park lighting. Lighting impacts everyone differently. Your input will help us create a lighting solution that suits your community's needs.

Don't miss out on shaping the future of your park! Sign up for the contact list by filling out the form, emailing participate@medicinehat.ca,(External link) or calling 403-529-8258.