Dear Councillor Frances Nunziata,

As residents of Mount Dennis, we are writing to you to request the installation of a splash pad, outdoor fitness equipment, playground equipment upgrade, addition of swings, picnic shelters, picnic tables, and BBQ facilities near Emmett Playground at Eglinton Flats in Mount Dennis.

We have noticed a lack of splash pads in our neighborhood, with the nearest one being more than 5 km away. This poses difficulties for residents, particularly those without access to private transportation or who rely on public transit. Many of us depend on public transportation, and the nearest splash pads are located at Smythe Park or Weston Lions Park, both quite a distance away. We believe that having a splash pad within walking distance, specifically at Emmett Ave., would serve multiple communities in all four directions.

Emmett Playground features a spacious open space, parking lot, and washroom facilities. A splash pad and park upgrades would complement these existing amenities and attract more visitors to the parks. Additionally, we have observed that the closest park with BBQ facilities is High Park. If the park on Emmett Ave. were equipped with these extra amenities, the city would generate more revenue, considering the significant community size. With an estimated $100 per party that utilizes the BBQ facilities, this investment would be financially advantageous. Furthermore, the area is in proximity to the West Park HealthCare Centre, which is currently being renovated, and the Eglinton Crosstown LRT Mount Dennis station, scheduled to open in 2024. In addition, 32D Eglinton West TTC bus stops near Emmett Playground.

A splash pad, outdoor fitness equipment, park upgrade and additional park amenities near Emmett Playground would greatly benefit the health, well-being, and social cohesion of our diverse and vibrant community (1). Many working-class families with young children would benefit from the splash pads on hot days, and they would provide an excellent activity for grandparents and their grandchildren to enjoy together. Through our research, we have discovered several benefits associated with having a splash pad in a park (2). Some of these benefits include:

• Splash pads provide a great way for people of all ages to stay active during hot summer days.
• Splash pads foster physical development by offering sensory stimulation through tactile interactions with water sprays, streams, and jets.
• Splash pads encourage the development of gross motor movement through activities such as jumping, running, and dodging.
• Splash pads located in municipal parks are accessible to all ages and abilities free of charge.
• Splash pads promote family interactive play.
• Splash pads include intentionally designed features that cultivate cognitive skills like planning, imaginative thinking, focus, problem-solving, and self-control as children interact with moving water. These neurological building blocks shape and carry children throughout life.
• Splash play fosters social development by serving as a popular meeting place, enabling users to interact with each other in a common play area.
• Splash pads encourage participants to be physically active, helping them maintain a healthy body weight and increasing overall physical strength.
• Physical activity builds capacity in youth, teaching them how to be leaders, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills, and enabling them to develop healthy relationships with friends.
• Encouraging children and youth to spend more time outdoors and be active rather than sedentary helps them perform better in school, learn new skills, and improve self-confidence.
• Splash pads foster social interactions and community engagement.
• Splash pads promote health and wellness by providing hydration, cooling, and relief from heat stress.
• Splash pads enhance the aesthetic and environmental quality of parks by adding color, sound, and movement.
• Splash pads are low-maintenance and cost-effective compared to other water features such as pools or ponds.
• Splash pads are environmentally friendly, using recycled water and eliminating the need for lifeguards.

We understand that installing a splash pad, outdoor fitness equipment and park upgrade will require funding and planning from the city council. However, we sincerely hope that you will support our request and advocate for this initiative. We are prepared to assist with fundraising, petitioning, and promoting the project as needed. We firmly believe that these amenities would be a valuable investment for the park and the community.

In addition, we have researched potential funding sources and grants that could help with the installation and operation of a splash pad, outdoor fitness equipment and park upgrade. Some options include:

• The Canada Healthy Communities Initiative, which supports projects that create safe and vibrant public spaces, improve mobility options, or provide digital solutions to connect people and improve health.
• The Ontario Trillium Foundation, which supports projects that foster more active lifestyles, build inclusive and engaged communities, or enhance people's well-being.
• The TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, which supports projects that protect and enhance the environment, engage communities in environmental stewardship, or support environmental education.

As residents of Mount Dennis, a neighborhood improvement area, we believe these enhancements are of utmost importance for our community. Improving our parks and recreational spaces will have a positive impact on the overall livability and well-being of our neighborhood.

Mount Dennis is a diverse and vibrant community, and these improvements would provide much-needed opportunities for physical activity, social interaction, and family bonding. By creating accessible and engaging recreational spaces, we can promote a sense of pride and belonging among residents.

Moreover, as a neighborhood improvement area, investing in our parks sends a strong message about the commitment to the revitalization and enhancement of our community. By providing accessible amenities, we can contribute to the overall quality of life and attract more residents and visitors to Mount Dennis.

To support our request, we have attached images showcasing other parks with outdoor fitness equipment and updated playgrounds, highlighting the positive impact of similar additions. (Here is the link to the Earthscape website https://www.earthscapeplay.com/projects/

We understand the challenges associated with funding and planning for these improvements. However, we are fully dedicated to supporting fundraising efforts and collaborating with other community stakeholders to make this vision a reality. We firmly believe that by working together, we can create a positive and transformative change in our neighborhood.

As our esteemed city councillor, we kindly request your support and advocacy in advancing this initiative. Your leadership and dedication to the needs of your constituents are vital in driving positive change. Together, we can uplift Mount Dennis and create a vibrant and inclusive community.

We eagerly await your response and the opportunity to discuss this idea further. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We value your input and appreciate your commitment to the betterment of Mount Dennis.

Thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Residents of Mount Dennis

References

Tucker, P., Gilliland, J., & Irwin, J. D. (2007). Splashpads, Swings, and Shade: Parents’ Preferences for Neighbourhood Parks. Canadian Journal of Public Health, 98(3), 198–202. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf03403712

https://clubrunner.blob.core.windows.net/00000000214/en-ca/files/sitepage/rotary-splash-pad/community-benefits-of-splash-pads/Community-Benefits-of-Splash-Pad_CNB-Document.pdf