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durhamregion.com The Citizen July 19, 2013 7 FROM PAGE 1 She was speaking on behalf of her neighbourhood during a recent public meeting when council reviewed staff's report on the matter. Constructed in 2000, Duggan Park has fallen behind the rapid pace of growth in its surrounding residential area. Town staff hosted a public information session in April to gather input from residents on how to bring the playground up to standards. "Many of us felt (the public meeting) was a great opportunity for us to be heard and to engage in the process," said Ms. Maxwell Rodrigues. A development proposal for new townhouse units, as well as additional single family homes to the north of the park, was approved by council earlier this year. During discussions with residents and staff, developer Sean Talaei of Golden Falcon Homes agreed to contribute funding for enhancements to Duggan Park. The builder is planning to construct a pathway connection from the existing open space trail into the playground area to provide greater accessibility to Duggan Park, as well as trees to shade the path. This work typically costs about $20,000 and will be conducted by the developer's own contractor prior to the playground updates. North Ward Councillor Tracy Hanson said the efforts of residents, the builder and the Town to launch the park improvements is a great example of successful community collaboration. "It started with the community getting in touch with me and ... I went directly to parks development staff, who were outstanding, and then of course we were lucky enough to bring in a developer for some extra help," she said. "I think that we have more than met the residents' requirements and their desires for a local park area that's going to service more than 500 homes." Reporter Parvaneh Pessian covers the town of Whitby for Metroland Media Group's Durham Region Division Brooklin councillor lauds efforts to renovate park WHITBY -- Alexis Fortier, 2, played in Duggan Park. The playground there is slated for renovations. SABRINA BYRNES / METROLAND