Parents of children attending a Toronto school designed for special needs reached out to Speakers Corner after the construction of a playground, which they funded, was suddenly stopped.
This project, which began last month at Sunny View Junior and Public School, took years to plan.
“The old playground was becoming unsafe, and these kids really need a playground. It’s therapeutic,” said Anu Singh, a parent with a child in the school.
The fundraiser started following the heartbreaking loss of a student in 2022. Her family chose to raise funds in her honor to create a new playground featuring special swings and equipment that would be more accessible for the students at the school.
“Many of the students here have severe special needs so having an accessible playground is essential,” Singh stated.
The fundraising effort was successful, and the school submitted all necessary proposals for construction to the city.
“There was so much excitement when we realized we made it,” Singh added.
In May, work crews began construction by fencing off the old play area.
“The idea was to close down the old playground for a month or two and when kids returned in September they would find a brand new playground waiting for them,” she explained.
However, earlier this month, work on the project stopped abruptly, leaving an incomplete fenced-off area. This has left parents with many questions.
“Why now?” Singh asked. “The city had plenty of time to review the design. They approved all permits; we just don’t understand.”
Parents contacted Speakers Corner and we reached out to both the City and TDSB. The city responded by stating that all inquiries should be directed to the school district.
“Construction has been temporarily paused to assess revised plans that can preserve certain healthy trees on school grounds,” said a TDSB spokesperson.
Although it’s currently on hold, the district assures that work will continue soon.
“TDSB, along with consultants and the City are collaborating to find solutions as quickly as possible to minimize any delays in finishing construction,” said the spokesperson.
No specific timeline for completion was provided but parents like Singh remain hopeful that it will be ready by next school year.
“We hope everyone can return in September and see happy kids playing on these new playgrounds,” she said. “It means so much to these children. I think we should come together and do what’s right.”
If you have an issue, story or question you’d like us to look into, contact us. The construction of a playground for special needs children at a Toronto school has been halted and parents are concerned it won’t be completed by the time children return to school in September. CITYNEWS/Daniel Berry Keep it Factual
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