Farewell, Coultrap Playground

One week into summer vacation we received news that the playground across the street; the playground that has been a source of joy for my three children for the past 8 years; would be torn down starting today.
There were tears. Anger. But most of all questions - WHY couldn't they wait until fall? Why not let the kids of this neighborhood (and others, for this is a favorite playground of many kids and parents due to its fantastic shade cover) enjoy one last summer of innocent joy? What was the real reason it has to come down?
We tried to let friends know so they too could enjoy one last swing and one last slide one the equipment that has been deemed 'too old', but that held the weight of so many precious memories with ease. 
To anyone who missed out on their 'one last' I am sorry. It really was a wonderful playground and the suggestion that we should enjoy Marjorie Murray playground is ludicrous - nobody goes there in the summer, there is no shade.
So, while they taut 'cost of upkeep' (which is a joke, they only mulched the playground once in the past 8 years) I can only hope that there was a REAL reason why they had to do this now, why it couldn't wait one more summer.