It was fascinating to read the “Heritage Skyline: Secrets of Dundonald Park” article in the September BUZZ, especially about the petition in 1901 to turn the then-dump into a park. 120 years later, I and other local residents also started a petition about the condition of Dundonald Park. I can’t help but compare them.
In the first petition, the concern was about the then-empty lots being used as repositories for animal waste. Turning the empty lots into a public park administered by the NCC was expected to fix the problem.
In the second petition, the concern was about security and safety in the park, with over 250 signatories making a series of specific recommendations to all levels of responsible officials. The city responded in writing, and has begun to issue trespass orders when city staff are present, and support free yoga in the park on Mondays.
But unfortunately, over a year later, safety and security remain acute issues in Dundonald Park with the number of calls to the police increasing. If the city is unable to devote adequate resources to address these issues, perhaps a third-party entity could be employed to ensure basic public safety and security in the park. Additional security services are required to ensure that criminal activity is dealt with, to be there to refer those in crisis to the appropriate resources, and to support Dundonald as a safe and welcoming place for all community members.
Stefanie Bowles