Precedence residents want the playground built they say they was promised by both the town and Madlee Development.
Yesterday, an event was staged at the neighbourhood's green space that has a paved pathway and landscaping, but no playground equipment.
Armed with placards reading "Where is our Precedence Playground?" and "Precedence Playground Zone. What Playground?" they staged a group shot and launched a petition calling for the playground to be built immediately on the promised site.
The petition also asked the town to ensure there's community consultation when major development decisions are reached impacting the community. They ask town council to quickly hold a public meeting to hear from residents, provide an explanation for this failure, and to detail a path forward.
"It was promised when we were looking at show homes that there would be a playground built on the spot that we are standing," says resident Mark Thompson. "We were also made aware that there's a bylaw in Cochrane that each new development has to have a playground for their kids, and right now the town is breaking its own bylaw."
Efforts to contact the developer have been unsuccessful.
Jessica Russell says the playground plays a critical role for the entire community.
"The residents of Precedence are disappointed that it reduces the opportunity for physical activity for the children. It also creates social isolation because playgrounds provide a communal space for children to meet and socialize. Without one, kids may have fewer interactions with peers, which could affect their social development.
"We also believe that the parents may also miss out on opportunities to connect with other families within the neighborhood," she continued.
The safety of children is high on their minds for youth who may take to the streets for play. They are concerned it will also impact property value.
Russell says both the home builder they chose and the neighbourhood's developer both said a playground was being built and that it was clearly indicated on the online map of Precedence.
"It's just a massive disappointment that there was no communication to any of us that the playground wasn't actually going to happen within the plan."
"It's pretty sad because as you can see today, there's lots of children's laughter happening, lots of playing. It's just sad that's we can't see them all playing together in one big space."
Organizers will continue to go door-to-door to collect signatures and intend to present the petition to town council.
