A group of residents in the southwest community of Springbank Hill is trying to put a stop to the construction of a playground.

They want to protect the green space at 120 Spring Valley Way S.W. for recreational activities.

Daina Martens says due process wasn't followed and residents weren't consulted on the development.

"The neighbourhood is already divided. There's complete chaos right now. Neighbour against neighbour. It can't get worse,” she said.

Springbank Hill Community Association president Fiona Christiaansen says the planning and consultation process for the new playground dates back to 2012. (CBC)

But according to the community association president Fiona Christiaansen, the planning and consultation process started in 2012.

"It's a really awkward situation because you think you've done your process. You adhere to everything. You've got monies based on it, you've been awarded things on the merit of your process, yet your process is questioned."

Dale Richardson says the green space is well enough used in its natural state.

Project backed by city

“It's great when kids want to use an open field and we don't have enough of those. We would like to see the kids happy and use it year round, and every one to use it year round,” he said.

Several residents of Springbank Hill are opposed to a plan to turn part of a greenspace into a playground. (Devin Heroux/CBC)

Coun. Richard Pootmans says the rules were followed and that the project has full backing from city administration.

"It is dedicated as a city park. And it's green space which is part of a development agreement, when a developer builds homes,” he said.

“This is green space that's meant for everyone in the community, not just the adjacent people but in fact the entire community."

Construction is set for Oct. 8.

The opponents say they’ll continue to fight the project.

"I think someone looking at the bigger picture would say, simple solution — start over. See what the community actually wants,” Martens said.