Protesters stage rally to stop construction of Mooney's Bay playground

About 75 people were hanging on to the Sue Holloway Fitness Park at Mooney's Bay Wednesday evening to protest a large playground that is set to take its place, and were tossing around their own ideas for a different location.

Once finished the playground will cover an area more than half the size of a Canadian football field and change the look of the north end of the park, which people at the rally say is good as it is.

"Since when does the city give away waterfront like that or the NCC or whoever's approving this without consultation, without asking us," said nearby resident Linda Payne.

"This play structure will destroy access to our heritage water site that can't be replaced."

Criticism over the lack of consultation began Saturday with an online petition. It came one day after the city announced plans for the playground's construction, which will be filmed for a TVO children's show called Giver.

Brainstorming a new location

Now, residents — many of whom paddle, ski, run or cycle at Mooney's Bay — are taking it one step further by offering up alternative locations.

"Normally if you discuss it with more people, you're going to get more good ideas," said Blair Dowden, who uses the park on a regular basis.

He and others at the rally suggested Hogs Back Park, another location near the water with parking, washrooms and eating facilities. 

Riley Brockington, the councillor for River Ward, wasn't at the rally but told CBC's All In A Day host Alan Neal he expects the project will go ahead as planned.

"On May 13 when this was publicly released it's because the city came to terms with the proponent," said Brockington. "That is going to be the location where the playground is going to be built."

City spending $1M

The city is spending $1 million on the playground but in an email to CBC News, Mayor Jim Watson's office said the city could not "openly discuss the concept of proprietary design proposed by Sinking Ship Entertainment until an agreement was in place."

The email also said the Giver project will be holding a volunteer recruitment session on June 1 to present their ideas, but details on the location have not yet been announced.

The conceptual design didn't impress Liz Elton, who organized the rally. She urged those in attendance to contact the city, the National Capital Commission and the producers of the show.

"Talk amongst yourselves," said Elton. "Make plans and most importantly enjoy this wonderful facility, this space that will be gone if the playground appears."