May 16, 2012 Staff Report
After remaining closed to new members for nearly four months, Sunnyside Gardens Park combed through its long wait list and accepted new families.
Forty-one families on the wait list who live “in zone” have been invited to join, according to Park President Natalie O’Sullivan. As defined by the park’s constitution, “in zone” refers to people who live in Sunnyside Gardens and the Phipps development, which borders the park.
When families were turned away this winter, it was the first time in years “in-zone” residents were denied membership.
The park, with a capacity of 465 families, still has a further 92 families clamoring to join.
The 92 additional families on the wait list will be invited to join based on how close they live to the park, should spots become available, O’Sullivan said. Spots typically become available when existing members decide not to renew their membership.
The difficulty gaining park membership is a far cry from the years (decades ago) when membership was so low the park was actually shut down due to a lack of funds.
“The park is getting more popular and that’s a great sign for Sunnyside,” O’Sullivan said. “It’s a great place to be a part of.”
Annual membership dues range from $335 for a family with children to $40 for a senior.
