Citizens and neighbours opposed to the City’s plan to re-develop the park and pave local green space.
What is Bonnerworth Park?
Bonnerworth Park is a large green space with sport fields in Peterborough, Ontario. Located at the corner of McDonnel and Monaghan St, it is a recreational hub for the neighbourhood and beyond.
- The grassy expanse is used year-round for kites, frisbee, snow forts, skiing & dog walking.
- The double ball diamonds are used regularly by Peterborough Baseball Association, St. Peter’s Secondary School and pick-up groups.
- The West49 skateboard facility is heavily used by skateboarders, scooters, BMX type bikers and for lessons.
- The 4 combined tennis and pickleball courts are the second highest-used in the City.
Goodbye Green Space
On October 8, 2024, the City released what it says is the final plan for the $4.4 million project. The plan converts the park into a 14-court pickleball facility, a 44-car parking lot, expanded skateboard facility, and bike pump track.
The City says almost two-thirds of the park will be greenspace, but the vast majority of this area will be covered with berms and trees, leaving little to no space for the many activities being removed from the park. The City has provided no details concerning noise mitigation and lighting—issues of great concern to the surrounding community.
Most of Bonnerworth Park’s current green space will be replaced with pavement and unusable berms.
City Council has disregarded repeated requests to ‘pause’ the planning process and ignored the voices of more than 8,100 people that have signed paper and on-line petitions.
The City of Peterborough has not adequately consulted local residents.
Save Bonnerworth Park continues to advocate for greenspace protection and transparent community consultation.
“We just thought they were replacing the tennis courts, not paving over two ball diamonds and all grass sport fields.”
-Local residents who were never consulted.
Lawn signs
Have you noticed signs around Peterborough? Our lawn sign campaign is closed but you can learn more about our efforts and accomplishments here.
