Springwater Park closes, protest ongoing

The gates are closed at Springwater Park.

On Monday, the Ministry of Natural Resources changed the status of the park, which opened in 1927, to non-operational.

No longer can visitors drive in and park, enjoy the day-use picnic area, the playground or flush toilets.

They will, however, be able to park near the gate and walk in to enjoy the protected 193 hectares.

Two citizens’ groups are determined to keep the animal sanctuary in the park.

The MNR continues its quest to relocate the animals including a black bear, grey wolves, wild coyotes and wild turkeys which couldn’t survive in the wild.

“We never plan on stopping,” said Friends of Springwater Park’s Ian Taylor. “This week we hope to get our not-for-profit status. What we have proposed to the (park) superintendent is to keep the animals here.

“We’d pay for that and the salary of a staffer to care for the animals. We want to keep the animals because they’re part of a revenue stream.”

The MNR, however, continues working on relocating the animals.

“Relocation of these animals is ongoing, and in the interim, the animals will continue to be housed and cared for at the park,” said MNR senior media relations officer Jolanta Kowalski. “We are working closely with Zoocheck Canada to find suitable homes for the animals.”

Friends of Springwater Park is working on a business plan to present to the MNR in hopes of the park reopening April 1, 2014. The MNR website says only the park will be non-operational in the 2013 season.

That offers a bit of hope for the groups which continue to advocate.

“It’s up to the community, leaders and businesses to respond to a very strong message from the citizens that this (park) is an asset, not a liability,” said Springwater Park Citizens’ Coalition spokesperson Les Stewart. “We’ve never been under any illusions. No single citizens’ group could shoulder the insurance liability of 193 hectares of protected land.”

Last fall, the MNR announced Springwater Park would close, as it has been losing $100,000 year and requires $1 million in capital upgrades.

Visits peaked in 1993, with 65,000 visitors from June to September. Last year, only 33,303 people visited the park.