Mega-playground planned for Mooney's Bay draws criticism

It's being billed as Canada's largest playground, but the megastructure planned for Mooney's Bay Park is drawing criticism from some residents who say the City of Ottawa should have consulted the public aboutit.

When finished, the playground will cover an area more than half the size of a Canadian football field.

An online petition went up on Saturdaycalling on the city to change the location, citing traffic and environmental concerns.

Michelle Groulxsays she signed right away. The longtime resident of River Ward saysMooney's Bay Park is like an extended backyard.

"So when something pops up like this that is a secret it definitely affects our community," saysGroulx.

The city announced plans for the playground on Friday. It will be part of the local celebrations for Canada's 150th birthday next year, and will alsobethe subject of a TVOchildren's show called Giver.

No public consultations

The city councillor for River Ward says the playground will be built on the northend of the park, where preparation work has already begun.

At least a dozentrees have been cut down or relocated, and Coun. Riley Brockington says threewooden bridges and a fitness park will also be removed to make way for the playground. They'restructures that were already slated to be removed in 2016, he says.

Brockingtonunderstandsthe concerns of residents and says heislooking into ways the city can better include the public,evenon projects that require confidential negotiations.

"I accept people's concerns about consultations or lack thereof," saysBrockington. "I'm constantly doing consultations in River Ward."

The Riverside Park Community and Recreation Association says it would also like more consultation, but iswaiting for more information before deciding on whether the playground will be a welcome addition.

"If it is going to be some kind of project that the site can't handle, that would be a concern," saysboard member Bryan Parker. "At this point we just don't know."

The city's share of the investment will come to$1 million. Construction is set to begin in July with the official openingscheduled for Canada Day 2017.