Here’s why one Councillor voted against accessible playground

February 5, 2014 · 0 Comments

(Re: Activist surprised by Diamond Jubilee Park reaction, January 23, 2014)

It was interesting to read Tyler Barker’s Letter last week, “Activist surprised by Diamond Jubilee Park reaction.”
I would like to thank him for his dedication to solving community accessibility issues that limit respectful and complete participation for everyone.
Tyler commented that he “would like to know why 3 Councillors voted against” making the former Civic Square Park, renamed Queen’s Jubilee Park, our next accessible park.
The reason is that only eight years ago, $240,000 worth of tax dollars was spent to build this park. Councillors Ballard, Gallo and I thought that it would be completely fiscally irresponsible to spend another $150,000 of your hard earned money to redo this existing park!
Why wasn’t a piece of undeveloped park land chosen? And why take an enjoyed park away from local residents?
Ideally every playground in Aurora would have accessible features that enabled everyone to play close to home. I believe this would fulfil Mr. Barker’s goal of respectful and fair treatment for all.

Councillor Wendy Gaertner
Aurora