Public consultation on Mooney's Bay playground late, say critics

"Rather late" is how some residents are describing the city's"community outreach and consultation session" scheduled fornext Tuesdayon the new playground at Mooney's Bay.

The very next daythe television production company building the playground will be hostingameeting to sign up volunteers and fly children in from across the country for a design brainstorming session.

'Rather late' for public consultation

"It is rather late and I don't know what we can accomplish, but the park's not built yet," said area resident Anne Maurais, who joined a small "protest picnic" at Mooney's Bay on Friday

"So let's hope we can get it moved or at least delayed a month so we can have a proper consultation."

JosFurriealso called Tuesday's public meeting "rather late," but says she's "hopeful that they will find another place for the park to be built because this is not the right place to be. Just look around here. This is a quiet place that people enjoy for quiet outings. They could build it at VincentMasseyPark, which would allow for bathroomfacilities,parking facilities."

Many people are unhappy about the project either because they are not in favour of the location it'stoo close to the water, it would erasegreenspace used for picnicking and children's sports or are critical about the lack of transparency, as neither council nor the public was told about the project until it was a done deal.

TV schedule makes major changes unlikely

But major changes to the playground projectappear unlikely.

The city has already signed a deal that gives $1 million in public money to television production company Sinking Ship Entertainment to build Canada's largestplayground, and any changes to that deal could cost the city money in contract penalties.

Also, Sinking Ship will be partly using children and adult volunteers to build the playground for itsGiverTV program that is scheduled to airon TVO in 2017. It does not seem likely their shooting schedule would permit any delays, nor does the city show any signs of discussing it.

What is the logic behind this? And why was no one consulted?- JosFurrie, resident

And on June 1, the day after the public meeting, Sinking Ship is hosting adesign consultation and casting call in Ottawa at Carleton Heights Community Centre. The design ideas are to come from children, and the television show's producer RennataLopeztold CBC'sAll In a Day last week that kids from across the country will be flying in for the meeting. It will be held at theCarleton Heights Community Centre from4 - 8 p.m.

Still, Furrie is planning to speak up at Tuesday evening'smeeting at Riverside United Church.

"I would ask them, 'What is the logic behind this? And why was no one consulted about this?'"

The city has already cut down or moved 16 trees in preparation for the playgroundand will be doing more work at the park on Monday. However, city officials say Monday's work is "life-cycle" and would have been done with or without the playground.

Information on public consultation

When: Tuesday, May 31, 2016.

Time: 7 - 9 p.m.

Where: Riverside United Church,3191 Riverside Dr.

Information on casting call and volunteer session

When:Wednesday, June 1, 2016.

Time:4 - 8p.m.

Where:Carleton Heights Community Centre