We need your help to save our cherished park space! The Upper Mission Park is at risk of not being reinstated. The Upper Mission Park has been a park since the 1960's and only recently in 2024—for safety reasons—has that park space been removed. The Municipality of Wawa has an obligation to maintain the existing level of service it currently provides and is responsible for ensuring that community-oriented spaces such as parks are accessible and safe for everyone in Wawa-- especially our children and youth. With the Upper Mission Park equipment now gone, we have the opportunity to turn this blank canvas into a beautiful, accessible  community-focused park space for everyone.

Parks, especially play equipment, are one of the few socio-economically equitable spaces left for our youth to participate in barrier-free, unstructured play. Children, youth, and individuals with accessibility barriers rely on park spaces for the valuable skill development that comes through the type of play that only park spaces can provide. Parks provide enjoyable spaces for people of all ages and abilities to connect with neighours and build community. Maintaining parks are crucial in promoting community health and well-being and contribute to a more livable and sustianable community. Parks are not only directly beneficial to our neighbourhoods, but also our tourism industry. Attractive, inclusive parks appeal to our visitors; booting our local economy. Wawa boasts its ability to accommodate four-season tourism. The Upper Mission Park is directly on route to our many popular yearround outdoor tourist attractions. 

Parks play a key role in fostering a sense of place. Maintaining shared, accessible spaces where people can connect with their environment and community creates a sense of belonging. Residents who have barrier free access to park spaces develop a sense of ownership, which contributes to a sense of responsibility for the community. Please help us ensure that the Upper Mission Park is reinstated as a place we can all gather, share, and play.

Please sign this petition to show Mayor and Council that investing in accessible community spaces is important to our community, and that it needs to have a place in our capital budget.

A sample park concept is below; of course we are open to all ideas that would contribute to making this space accessible and enjoyable for everyone. If you have an idea, we want to hear it!