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Playtime comes to Cheakamus Crossing

Bayly Park opens with fun and imaginary icecreams
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Here's the Scoop Kids like Tianna Power and Joshua and Lucas Tricco are discovering the new playground at Bayly Park.. Photo by John French

There's a whole new adventure in place at Cheakamus Crossing — the new Bayly Park is officially open.

"This is awesome," said Craig Tricco of the park in his neighbourhood as kids Joshua and Lucas checked it out.

It wasn't long before the two had set up an imaginary ice-cream shop at the playground and were then joined by others from near and far.

The invisible cones at Whistler's newest playground were selling from six imaginary dollars for a two scoop adult cone to just a dollar for a triple scoop kid cone. When the kids tired of buying and selling ice cream they abandoned their storefront and played on other features at the Bayly Park playground.

Whistler's newest playground features a large sandy area, double elephant swings, and slides suitable for kids aged five to 12, four benches and three picnic tables. One of the picnic tables is fully accessible for people with walkers or wheelchairs. Tire Stewardship BC picked up half the cost, just over $17,700, of the rubberized playground surface under the swings, slides and climbing structures.

"This playground and the other amenities at Bayly Park are a direct legacy of the 2010 Winter Games and will benefit the Whistler community and visitors for years to come," said Whistler Mayor Nancy Wilhelm-Morden in a release.

"I encourage families and children to come out and experience this outstanding new playground for themselves, as well as to look forward to enjoying the full Bayly Park experience when it is completed this summer."

The park is 8.45 hectares (21 acres) in size, and was built atop Whistler's former landfill. Along with the playground it currently features a community garden and a street hockey area. Its total budget is $1.68 million.

An all-weather soccer field is under construction along with a tennis court. Washrooms and a drinking fountain near the playground are expected to be completed in a few weeks.