The playground at Dupont Parkette, at the north-west corner of Avenue Rd and Dupont, was taken down today.

Local activists who are concerned with what is happening to the playgrounds throughout Toronto were outraged when they found out.

A group called Playground Lobby for Active Youth (PLAY) formed by Maya Litman, a concerned parent and a child neuromuscular re-educator, is seeking a moratorium on the demolition of any more playgrounds in the city.

The group's concern is that the demolitions are unnecessary and that the replacement playgrounds that are eventually installed are inferior and unsafe.

Currently the following playgrounds have been identified by the group as being slated for 'demolition':
- Vermont Park (Bathurst and Dupont area)*
- Wells Hill (St. Clair and Bathurst)*
- Hillcrest Park (Christie and Davenport)*
- Relmer Road (Lonsdale and Spadina)*
- Glen Cedar (Eglinton and Bathurst area)
- Woodborough Park (Eglinton and Caledonia area)
- Some parks around Jane and Bloor Area
- University Settlement House (Dundas and University)
- Dufferin Grove (Dufferin and Bloor)
- Dell Park (Bathurst and Lawrence area)
- Bellevue Playground (Kensington Market)
- Village by the Grange (behind the AGO)

* in the MyStClair area

At a recent presentation of a 3,000 signature petition to the Mayor, Councillors and City staff, the group had been assured that local groups would be advised in advance of any demolitions. The tear-down at the Dupont Parkette would suggest that either the communication mechanism is not working properly or the commitment is not being honoured.

The group's investigations have determined that the justification being used for these demolitions is that they do not meet the new safety standards outlined by the Canadian Safety Association (CSA). The group has strong reason to believe that in fact the reverse is true - the old playgrounds are safe and it's the new ones that are injury-prone.

PLAY is advocating a moratorium on any further demolitions followed by a thorough investigation into the issue. There is frustration within the community because neither local politicians, City staff nor the mainstream media seem to be interested in giving the issue full and proper consideration  - an issue seen as involving the safety of children, the vitality of communities and the waste of millions of dollars.

If you would like to learn more you can check out PLAY's website at:
http://www.playtoronto.com/

---

This story based on information provided by PLAY.