Residents Organizing Walk To Protest Willistead Park Asphalt Paths
Tuesday April 29th, 2014, 10:25am
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A group of Walkerville residents are still determined to stop construction of a new ten-foot-wide paved asphalt path system in Willistead Park, and have organized a “Walk for Willistead” this Saturday.
The pathways were approved by Windsor City Council on March 17th, despite the protests of several area residents. The city said that the new pathway widths were necessary to meet accessibility standards within the park.
“It is not too late for Council to reverse their decision. We implore them to please stop construction and restore Willistead Park back to its former beauty,” says walk organized Sara Venney.
“When one sets out a picnic blanket hoping to relax, perhaps while children play close by, one does not want to be picnicking in the vicinity of a 10-foot wide asphalt pathway on which rollerbladers, bikers, or even walkers are apt to be.”
Venney expressed concerns about the environmental aspects of asphalt. “More importantly, with global warming and climate change and astronomical electric bills, many may no longer be able to cool their houses sufficiently in the summer. Neighbourhood parks should be cool and green and should not be laden with heat-generating asphalt.”
The walk takes place this Saturday May 3rd at 10am just outside the Niagara gates at north end of park – rain or shine. If you’re interested in attending, you are asked to be there by 9:55am.
Organizers say that participants are welcome to make their own signs to carry on the walk if they like. They also comment that “some may wish to wear black armbands to symbolize the death of the park as the green, quiet sanctuary they have always known it to be.”