MORE than 200 people gathered on Sunday to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Cleveland's GJ Walter Park.
The picnic crowd was entertained by the Redland Ladies Drum Corp and a speech from the great granddaughter of GJ Walter, Annette Marsson.
Mrs Marsson spoke about the history of the area and the historical significance of the work of her great grandfather. She recalled that many generations of residents have enjoyed the Park and hoped that plans for hi rise development in the Park would not go ahead.
Then the crowd sang Happy Birthday and blew out candles on a birthday cake.
Event organiser Garry Hill said the celebration was especially important as the park was threatened by a state government scheme which would allow buildings to be built on parts of the park.
"Most people don't understand that the development could decimate the park and its environs," he said.
"People are still being deliberately misled and the Priority Development Scheme is really about council shamefully handing over GJ Walter Park, a public park, to developers," Mr Hill said. "The contention is not about developing the ferry terminals and most agree they need an upgrade."
