Park’s future dividing Campbell Dr. community

Roger Varley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A small park on Campbell Drive in Uxbridge is about to get some playground equipment installed, and the residents who live close by are divided as to whether they want that to happen.

In the spring, the Township issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to establish and construct a children's playground in the park, which is described as "a passive park." The park currently consists of green lawns, small nature trails and a shelter. The RFP had a budget of $75,000. Only two submissions were received and both were close to $85,000.

Joan Crosbie, a resident of the area, said she and others found out about the RFP because a neighbour scans the internet for RFPs and came across the one from Uxbridge. She said local residents were not informed about the plans to install a playground.

For Crosbie and others, the idea of a playground does not sit well. She said the adjacent wetland is home to three different species of turtle, including the Blanding's turtle, which is on the threatened species list in Ontario, and parts of the park are zoned as Open Space and Environmentally Protected.

Crosbie said letters and emails to the mayor and chief administrative officer received no response.

"We're getting to the end of our rope," she said.

However, the Cosmos encountered three other people who live near the park who welcomed the news of a playground installation. One woman said a playground would give her somewhere to take her grandchildren when they visit.

The issue of a playground in the park came up several years ago, and at that time the idea was shelved. But Ward 5 councillor Willie Popp said Tuesday that the Township had surveyed residents and most were in favour of a playground. He noted that children on Campbell Drive can no longer go to the playground at Uxbridge Public School because that playground is gone.

"There are some disappointed and some in favour," he said.

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