Work underway on Linton Park

Kids living in Hyde Park Properties’ townhouses, and the condominiums at Scenic on Eglinton, will have a brand-new playground come spring.

Construction crews broke ground in late August on the revamp of Leonard Linton Park, which will feature asphalt paths, armourstone seatwalls, gamestables, benches, planting and extensive playground with rubber safety surfacing, six swings, climbers, boogie board, we-saws, spring toys and two stand-up spinners in the short term.

Ward 26 councillor Jon Burnside said it took a lot of work to track down the $350,000 to do the project, since its early beginnings in April.

“During the election, I was out one morning canvassing, and I was struck by the number of young kids getting onto the school bus,” he said. “The park didn’t have anything for kids under 12-years-old.”

Thus the shift in focus from a skateboard park to a community park. Part of the money came from cancelling a paving project at Leaside High School. That brought in an extra $150,000 and the parking lot, which 2/3 is owned by the city received its new surface at no cost.

“Since the (spring) meeting I’ve had numerous calls asking if there were any playgrounds for our kids,” Burnside said. “The timing is pretty good.”

Long-term plans will include a gathering space, a splash pad and playground areas.