The Maples resident petitioning for new playground in her neighbourhood

A woman living in The Maples says the parks in her neighbourhood aren't up to snuff. Daniel Halmarson reports.

A woman living in The Maples is petitioning the city to redevelop a small park in her neighbourhood so children have more places to play.

Barbara Wesley has lived in the Elwick neighbourhood for the past nine years and often spends time outdoors with her grandchildren, but she says the area lacks safe and accessible green spaces.

“[Children] don’t play around here,” Wesley told CTV News Tuesday. “They play on the streets… on the sidewalks with their bikes.”

There are only a couple of parks within walking distance from her home, and she says the closest play structure, off Marlow Court, isn’t that safe. She noted the steps on one side of the structure were damaged by fire.

Meantime, the Manor House Tot Lot a few blocks away features a gravel path, a sandy area full of boulders, and a lone park bench.

“We have nothing for the children at all,” Wesley said. “It’s not safe for the children.”

She created a petition about two years ago asking the city to revitalize Manor House Tot Lot. Wesley said she’s collected about 300 signatures from people living in the neighbourhood.

“We want a play structure, a sandbox… even a little bike trail for them to bring their little bikes here to play with,” Wesley explained.

She said she’s been in touch with her city councillor, MLA, the Seven Oaks School Division, and some community organizations about the matter.

“There’s no progress being made in our community,” she said. “We’re just getting emails back and forth.”

However, city councillor for Old Kildonan Devi Sharma says there are plans in the works for the Manor House Tot Lot.

“Families will see new play equipment that will serve two- to 12-year-olds, new picnic benches and, of course, we’re going to plant a few trees there as well,” Sharma told CTV News. “It’s going to be a lovely green space when it’s updated and those plans are underway.”

Sharma said design plans are being finalized, and construction should get underway in the next year.

Sharma added that the city has already redeveloped other outdoors spaces in the greater Maples community in recent years, including a splash pad in Adsum Park in 2024.

“There’s a lot of plans underway, and parks and green spaces are a priority of mine,” Sharma said. “And I think council shares that priority overall as well.”