Dear Editor,
On April 14th, the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc erected a long overdue sign in Southfield Park solving an ongoing mystery—the park’s actual name. I am grateful for the new sign.
A big thank you to Mayor Grantham for his help and continued interest in making our community a better and safer place to live. A special thanks to Rob and Darren who work hard at the Community Support section of the Municipality for their commitment and ongoing efforts.
Approximately ten years ago, Southfield Park’s playground equipment was removed due to outdated safety standards but was never replaced. The park remains empty except for a covered picnic pavilion that has seen better days. I have approached the Municipality and asked for a sign—which you see in the photo—and inquired about when the removed playground equipment might be replaced.
I was told that there are no plans to replace the park’s playground equipment. That the parks and recreation master plan has moved on. That the playground equipment in the Middlesex Arena Park will have to do. I disagree. The arena park is approximately one kilometer away from Southfield Park and across a busy road for younger children to safely cross.
The Banner should do a story about this predicament and let the court of public opinion decide. I realize that playground equipment is expensive, and perhaps a private/public partnership could be considered. Either way an interesting local story for the Banner to pursue.
Paul Tedesco
Strathroy Resident
