Park Lawn Parents & Community residents: help stop hazardous changes to our park & children's playground

Park Lawn Parents & Community residents:
help stop hazardous changes to our park & children's playground

As parents and local residents, we were excited knowing that this summer would finally bring the new, widened pedestrian pathway to the green space behind Park Lawn JMS. We have been eagerly awaiting demolition of the old path and construction of the new pathway complete with lighting, seating areas, and trees lining both sides.

On June 9, a school parent and revitalization committee member contacted City of Toronto staff for an update. We were shocked to learn that without consultation of any kind, the City had made sweeping changes to the agreed-upon plan.

To accommodate the baseball users during the summer months, the City has decided to scrap all the trees on the north side of the path and replace them with a 250 foot long, 5 foot high, black chain link fence. This fence extends almost the entire length of the playground. There will also be a 13 foot high foul pole and a 12 foot wide limestone warning track that is 250 feet long. 

These changes are unacceptable and the fence, in particular, poses huge safety hazards to our children:

• Because of its location, it will be tempting for children to use it as a climbing wall

• It completely reduces visibility to teachers on duty supervising students

• It essentially divides the playground in two

• Not only will it have an impact on our daily school activities but also school sports teams, full school events and community events (such as cross country, spring fair, track and field, play day)

How you can help: 

• Sign this online petition to MPP/Councillor Milczyn, council members of the Etobicoke York Community Council, and Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly. http://www.thepetitionsite.com/482/848/847/stop-a-high-chain-link-fence-from-being-installed-along-park-lawn-parks-pedestrian-path/

• Tell friends and community residents 

City staff and the Councillor had booked a meeting to address community concerns over these changes. We were notified that the meeting was cancelled and that this new plan will be implemented once the school year is over.

These changes will irreparably damage our schoolyard and park.  

Thanks for your support, please let us know if you have any questions.

Tanis Michelsen bretan@rogers.com and Andrea Hynes ukaliki@gmail.com

SAC Co-Chairs