A cancelled ground-breaking ceremony could be the start of a series of setbacks in the construction of the new Universal Play Park.

A snowstorm cancelled last week’s festivities at the play park’s future location beside the skate park at Queens Place in Liverpool but it’s the pandemic that is wreaking havoc on the construction schedule.

Chair of the fundraising committee Debbie J Wamboldt says building the park by spring will be difficult.

“Things aren’t looking very good from what we’re hearing from the companies, with the shipping delays and all of this,” said Wamboldt.

A request for proposals for construction of the play structure has been issued by the Region of Queens.

Due to the disruption in supply chains for goods and materials around the world caused by COVID-19, Wamboldt says companies bidding on the project aren’t willing to commit to a spring completion date.

The fundraising committee originally set a target of $450,000 but after five years of effort they’ve exceeded amount and are closing in on $600,000.

Wamboldt says even with an increase in the cost of materials since they established their goal, the park will exceed the group’s original designs.

“Hopefully the pricing isn't too drastic with all the COVID and the shipping and all of that,” said Wamboldt. “But we still should be able to put in a park that is significantly more than what we were looking at with a $450,000 budget, so it's exciting.”

The good news is the park now has a name.

At their last meeting, Region of Queens council unanimously approved the choice put forward by the fundraising team.

Mayor Darlene Norman says council welcomed a name that reflected and honoured the diverse cultures in Queens.

“The PAC Autism Nova Scotia Society wished it to be named Etli Militamk. (Pronounced: ed a lee Milly Dumk). Which basically means, we are playing here. That is a Mi’kmaq name,” said Norman.

Wamboldt is disappointed the snow forced the cancellation of the ground-breaking ceremony but after years of effort, she is anticipating welcoming the community to the grand opening of the newly christened park in summer.

“I envision a big party, you know, with hot dogs and cake and music and a big celebration,” said Wamboldt. “I’m looking forward to that.”

In the meantime, the Queens Universally Designed Play Park fundraising association has announced a smudging ceremony will take place on the future site Monday, Dec. 20 at 11 a.m.

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