The Town of Mississippi Mills has declared Don Maynard Park and the adjoining park land as "surplus" to the town's needs and wants to sale the land.

On August 17, 2003, the Town of Mississippi Mills officially dedicated and opened Don Maynard Park on Gale Street in recognition of all the effort that Don had put into the town.  At the dedication, Mayor Ron Pettem spoke of Don helping form Almonte's first Parks and Recreation Committee in 1953 and Don remained active on the committee for 22 years.  Don was key in setting up the first recreational plan for the town and was instrumental in the development of Gemmill Park.  During his 33 years of teaching at Almonte and District High School, Don was one of the driving forces to get a student council, he encouraged all students, regardless of athletic ability, to participate in football and track and field, and his office was always open for students to come to "shoot the breeze".

At the park dedication Mayor Pettem said "Don, we are grateful to you as a community for all that you have contributed to our recreation programs and facilities.  Your dedication and vision will continue to enhance the lives of the residents of Mississippi Mills now, and for many generations."  Now just 13 years later, the current Mayor and Town Council want to take back the park land and dispose of it.

Don Maynard would not be concerned with the disrespect now being shown to him.  He would be saddened that all of the work that many people over many years have put into making Almonte so beautiful with its green space and so inviting to families with its accessible playgrounds, is now just being tossed aside and ignored. 

Park land can never be considered "surplus" in any community.  Mayor Shaun McLaughlin and Town Councillors cannot be permitted to dispose of park land for any reason.  They cannot be allowed to wipe out honours bestowed upon people who have contributed to making the town the wonderful community that it is.