About $14,000 was approved by city council last week for the purchase of an accessible sling lift and change table for the Kinsmen Sportsplex's family change room. 

The equipment is being funded by budget savings from the purchase of a new pool deck chair lift earlier this year. 

“We feel that these changes will greatly enhance inclusion and access to the indoor pool. Right now, there's currently no means to change on-site for anybody with those types of disabilities,” Director of Parks and Recreation Derek Blais said. 

Parks and Recreation budgeted $22,000 for the purchase and installation of the pool deck lift, but the actual amount came to under $8,000, leaving $14,500 in savings. 

Blais added that there was a lot of consultation went into deciding which projects to prioritize. 

“I also think it's also important to note that we had consulted with the Special Needs Advisory Committee on this, and this was listed as a high priority in our recent prioritization of accessibility improvement projects, which was adopted by council this past April,” Blais said. 

It was also noted in the report to city council that Parks and Recreation as well as the Special Needs Advisory Committee had been looking for grant opportunities, but nothing was available.