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

About 75 people were hanging on to the Sue HollowayFitness Park atMooney'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 finishedthe playground will cover anareamore than half the size of a Canadian football field and change the lookof the north end of the park, which peopleat the rally say is good as it is.

"Since when does the city give away waterfront like thator 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 cycleat 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 waterwith parking, washrooms and eating facilities.

Riley Brockington, the councillor for River Ward, wasn't at the rally but toldCBC's All InADay host Alan Neal he expectsthe project will go ahead as planned.

"On May13 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 theplayground but in an email toCBC News, Mayor Jim Watson's office said the city could not "openly discuss the concept of proprietary design proposed by Sinking Ship Entertainmentuntil an agreement was in place."

The emailalsosaid the Giver project will be holding a volunteer recruitment session on June 1to present their ideas, but details on the location have notyet 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," saidElton. "Make plansand most importantly enjoy this wonderful facility, this space that will be gone if the playground appears."