The City is improving the playground in Cedarvale Park as part of an ongoing program to enhance playgrounds and play spaces across the city, so that everyone can experience the joys and benefits of play for years to come.
Project Timeline
Fall 2025: Hire a design team
Winter to Summer 2026: Community engagement and design development
Fall 2026: Detailed design
Winter 2026: Hire a construction team
Spring 2027: Construction starts
Summer 2027: Construction complete, playground is open
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Level of Engagement
This project has been classified as a Consult project based on the International Association for Public Participation Spectrum. This means we collect and consider public feedback on proposed design options to inform the development of a final playground design.
Project Updates
May 2026
Online Survey
From May 8 to May 25, feedback on play structure and play equipment options was collected in an online survey. The survey was promoted through paid social media ads, outreach to nearby schools, the local Councillor’s office, on-site signage and on this page. The survey received a total of 471 responses.
The design team will use this feedback to understand community priorities and preferences and develop playground design options that will be presented in a future survey.
Key Feedback Highlights
When asked which type of playground structure they prefer, 67 per cent of respondents favoured a single main structure with multiple attached play features, compared with 21 per cent who preferred many separate play features without a main structure.
Respondents shared that the top three play features used most frequently by playground users and caregivers are:
swings (81 per cent)
slides (80 per cent)
main play structure (80 per cent)
Respondents shared that the most important features to include in the new playground are:
senior play structure for ages five to 12 (56 per cent)
climbing structures (55 per cent)
junior play structure for ages two to five (48 per cent)
Respondents shared that the three least important features to include in the new playground are:
play panels (45 per cent)
spinners (35 per cent)
spring toys (31 per cent)
For seating around the playground:
86 per cent of respondents like benches
77 per cent of respondents like picnic tables
33 per cent of respondents like amourstones
Participants shared written feedback on how to make the new playground more welcoming and accessible for community members. Key themes included:
shaded play area and seating options
natural play elements and landscaping
safety considerations related to nearby dog off-leash area
Soft, smooth and accessible play surface
unique and imaginative play equipment
inclusive and sensory play opportunities for all abilities
In-Person Pop-Up Event
On May 20, the project team collected community feedback on play structure and play equipment options at a pop-up event in Cedarvale Park. Approximately 68 community members attended the event. Participants shared their preferences with sticky dots and comments on sticky notes. Two members of the project team provided information, answered questions and captured additional comments.
The design team will use this feedback to understand community priorities and preferences and develop playground design options that will be presented in a future survey.
Key Feedback Highlights
When asked which type of playground structure they prefer, participants favoured many separate play features without a main structure (15 dots), over a single main structure with multiple attached play features (11 dots).
Respondents shared that the most important features to include in the new playground are:
climbing structure (18 dots)
group spinner (15 dots)
rotating platform (14 dots)
Respondents shared that the three least important features to include in the new playground are:
climbing structure (two dots)
play panel (two dots)
spring toy (two dots)
For seating around the playground, the most to least preferred options are:
picnic tables (19 dots)
benches (four dots)
armoursontes (two dots)
Participants shared comments on sticky notes about the new playground. Common themes included:
shaded seating or shade structure
additional group seating options
natural play features
separate play areas for junior and senior children
safety considerations related to nearby dog off-leash area
preserving sufficient open field space for flexible sports and recreation
design options that integrate with Cedarvale Park’s natural landscape
About the Project
Cedarvale Park Playground is located beside the Markdale Preschool site at 41 Markdale Ave.
The playground currently includes:
one swing set with:
one swing for ages two to five
one swing for ages five and up
a small single slide
a small double slide
a junior play structure with panels
sand under all play areas
The preschool is no longer in operation and the playground is nearing the end of its life. The City is proposing a new playground at a different location within the park, as the current playground site cannot accommodate expansion or additional play features.
The new playground will be located approximately 100 metres west of the Markdale Preschool site, near the northeast corner of the main pathway intersection and diagonally across from the tennis courts. It will be positioned at the bottom of the hill with a setback from the main paths.
The proposed location was selected following technical site assessments and reflects several key considerations:
Expanded play area: Ample room for more diverse play equipment that will increase play value.
Access for maintenance: Clear and easy access for Park Operations staff and maintenance vehicles to reach the playground.
Proper drainage: Effective drainage for the playground area and its supporting features.
Centralized and accessible: Connections to the main pathways to ensure accessibility for all park users, including those using mobility devices.
Proximity to other amenities: Closer to other park amenities without competing for their space.
Improved movement: Better circulation for people travelling between the playground and other areas of the park.
Visibility and safety: A visible location with clear sightlines from different areas of the park to enhance safety.
The playground will be redesigned using community feedback and is proposed to include:
playground equipment for ages two to five
playground equipment for ages five to 12
additional seating
engineered wood fibre surfacing
an accessible pathway to the playground area
The play equipment and pathway connecting to the playground area will comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Learn more about how playgrounds are made accessible.
Improvements will only be made in the general playground area and will not include any new water or lighting features or improvements to other areas of the park.
