The Mona Piper Playground at Manor Road and Forman Ave was dedicated Sunday with a large crowd of the late school guard’s family and friends in attendance. The much-loved woman who was a shepherd to countless children over many decades at Maurice Cody Public School died in February. Her daughter Ann Piper spoke briefly saying that she had brought her mother to see the site under construction. “She was just so moved and overwhelmed by it all…she thought it was just a wonderful legacy,” Ms Piper said. “Mom’s great-grandchildren are going to get to play in her park today,” Piper declared to much applause. The park was built on land previously owned by Manor Road Church next door. It was acquired for this purpose with the collaboration of MRUC. Councillor Josh Matlow oversaw the purchase and later planning of a playground. He solicited community suggestions for a name.
CUDMORE CREEK PARK
The playground was named after Mrs. Piper and the larger park for Cudmore Creek, a waterway which ran to the Don River through Leaside before homes were built north of Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. Among those present Sunday in addition to Ann Piper were her brother John, Mr. Matlow, Reverend Debra Schneider, pastor of MURC, Robert Nigro, principal of Maurice Cody School, Reverend Ian LaFleur of St.Cuthbert’s Anglican Church and many congregants of the church as well as friends and family of Mona Piper. In her remarks, Rev. Schneider introduced Rev. Roberta Howey, who will take over at MRUC when Rev. Debra retires later in June.
