Centennial Park Playground & Water Play Improvements

The City is improving the playground and water play area in Centennial Park as part of the Centennial Park Master Plan Implementation and the Playground Enhancement Program.

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  • Summer 2022 to Winter 2024: Community engagement
  • Late 2023 to Winter 2023/2024: Design development and detail design
  • Summer 2024: Hire a construction team
  • Fall 2024: Construction starts
  • Winter 2025: Construction complete

The timeline is subject to change.

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In this phase of the community engagement process, the project team introduced the project to the community, which builds on the direction set in the Centennial Park Master Plan. The purpose of this phase is to build a vision for the playground and water play area.

Community Engagement Meetings and Events

November 2022

PFR Community Disability Steering Committee Meeting

On November 24, project staff presented a project overview to members of the Parks, Forestry, and Recreation (PFR) Community Disability Steering Committee and discussed the committee’s ideas to ensure the space is fun and welcoming for people who have a wide range of abilities.

Key feedback:

  • Consider the needs of caregivers with a range of abilities in the designs.
  • Include an adult and child change table that can rise and lower in nearby washrooms.
  • Ensure the space is accessible for people arriving by TTC, Wheel-Trans, vehicle, walking or rolling.
  • Provide as wide of a variety of play features as possible. Do not design for only one or two
  • Ensure that ramps on play features do not lead to dead ends (slides can be dead ends for some playground users).
  • If rubber is cost-prohibitive for the full playground surface, ensure it is used in areas to get to and from each feature from main pathways.
  • Provide plentiful and accessible seating for playground users and caregivers and ensure there are no busy paths or trails between the play spaces and seating areas, to avoid children colliding.
  • Consider having a water chair/beach wheelchair available on-site.
Inclusive and Accessible Play Online Survey

From November 3 to November 17, an online survey collected feedback from members of the accessibility community on what types of accessible playground and water play features to prioritize in this space, along with other suggestions for how to best remove barriers and build a welcoming space for playground users of all abilities – beyond Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) accessibility standards. The survey was promoted through the Parks, Forestry and Recreation Community Disability Steering Committee network. Nine people responded to the survey.

Key feedback:

  • Playground preferences:
    • The five most popular play features include a wheelchair-accessible swing, a large play structure with ramps, an accessible swing with harness, an accessible zip-line (with accessible harness seat) and tactile/feeling sensory panels.
    • Half of the respondents had no preference between rubber or engineered wood fibre playground surfacing. About a third preferred rubber because they felt it improved maneuverability, prevented slips, improved ease of use, and is a softer material.
    • Other suggestions around accessibility included: bright contrasting colours or tactile strips on walkways and edge of ramps for kids with low vision; ramps into the playground; higher/lower spaces to get onto equipment for wheelchair users; and a sign encouraging sharing space, to ensure kids with disabilities have access to spaces/able-bodied children do not monopolize the space.
  • Water play preferences:
    • The four most popular water play features include a splash pad, interactive features (buttons to push or motion-activated), water jets that shoot up from the ground, and water misters.
  • Universal washroom suggestions:
    • The universally accessible washroom near the new playground and water play area will meet all AODA accessibility standards. Specific suggestions from respondents include child and adult change tables that raise and lower to prevent the need for caregivers to lift individuals; adapted toilets of multiple sizes with backs that help users sit upright; stalls large enough for mobility devices.
  • Additional suggestions include accessible pathways around and through the play area, and sidewalks leading into the park and play area that are accessible.

October 2022

TASSC Friends and Partners Sharing Circle

On October 20, a member of the project team attended a Toronto Aboriginal Support Services Council (TASSC) Friends and Partners Sharing Circle. A brief overview of the project was shared. TASSC members were invited to let the project team know if they would like to be involved or engaged through the design process for the playground and water play area, to help shape the playground and water play features and ensure the space is welcoming for Indigenous communities.

August 2022

Online Survey

From August 9 to August 28, feedback on the playground use and preferences for the water play features was collected in an online survey. The survey received a total of 655 responses, with 348 responses reaching the end of the survey. The survey was designed for children, youth, adults and group respondents.

Key feedback:

  • Include accessible pathways and surfaces and amenities for people with disabilities and/or mobility devices.
  • Include climbing features and adventure structures or experiences.
  • For the water play area, falling water features and sprinklers were highly ranked and requests for accompanying seating and shade areas were also requested.
  • Safety and comfort were a key concern amongst survey respondents, with requests for improved lighting and sightlines.
  • Children and youth expressed an interest in swings, slides and adventure-based equipment including zip lines and/or climbing structures.
  • Artistic and creative play was identified by children and youth as an opportunity, pointing to features like a stage or musical elements.
  • Children and youth identified a desire for some natural elements including flowing water and/or ponds, trees and gardens.
  • A need for spaces to relax and gather was identified across all age groups, with a desire for shade, grassy areas, additional seating and washroom facilities.
Children and Youth Workshops

Workshops were held in the gymnasium at  Olympium Community Centre on August 9 and  Hollycrest School on August 16 during summer camps. The workshops involved a creative experience mapping activity designed as a tool for campers to share ideas about their favourite kinds of play, the activities they enjoy, and play area features they like. Across the two workshops, 120 children aged three to 12 were engaged. In addition, 20 camp counsellors aged 16 to 24 participated in the facilitation and provided input.

Key feedback from campers (ages three to 12):

  • The four most popular play equipment suggestions included swings (a range of sizes), slides (a range of sizes and types), monkey bars, and zip lines.
  • The four most popular activity suggestions included climbing, hide and seek, wheeled activities (e.g. scooters, bikes, skateboards etc.), and socializing.
  • Children shared ideas for artistic play features (e.g. a stage, musical elements, or an arts and crafts zone) as well as natural play features (e.g. natural water features like rivers and frog ponds, trees to play/hang out on and under, flowers and gardens).
  • The four most popular water play features included falling water features (e.g. water buckets, mushrooms, and fountains), sprinklers/sprays, waterslides, and a lazy river.
  • Spaces to “hang out” are important. Ideas for these spaces included spaces with shade, places to sit (e.g. rocks, grass, benches, and picnic tables), interesting views, and access to washrooms and drinking fountains. Places to eat or purchase food was also a popular idea (e.g. snack station, BBQs, café and hot dog stand).

Key feedback from camp counsellors (teens/young adults):

  • Include spaces to “hang out”. Ideas for these spaces included WIFI, water features, semi-private spaces, tables and seating, games and activities (e.g. fitness equipment, board games, programming like movie nights), and clean and safe spaces.
  • Include natural spaces with lots of greenery, trees, trails, and programs in nature (e.g. hiking and yoga in the park).
  • Counsellors are interested in similar playground and water play equipment as the campers.

In this phase of the community engagement process, draft design options for the playground and water play area were presented to the community for feedback and revision.

Vision Statement

Based on the community feedback collected through the Centennial Park Master Plan process and through Community Engagement Phase 1 for this project, a vision statement was developed to guide the designs.

To create a playground and water play area that inspires community, joy, physical activity, creativity and social interaction by providing a unique, thrilling, challenging, inclusive and accessible space for all ages to play, learn and connect with nature.

Draft Design Options

There are two draft design options for the new Centennial Park playground and water play area. Both designs:

  • Have about the same number of play features (like swings, slides, etc.) for a wide range of ages
  • Include accessible playground and water play equipment. This means that people with a wide range of abilities will be able to play here
  • Include a splash pad
  • Include seating and flexible spaces for gathering
  • Include an accessible washroom building
  • Include Indigenous Placekeeping elements, informed by consultation with Indigenous communities and advising from an Indigenous Design partner
  • Include an upgraded parking lot and natural buffers (small hills and plantings) to separate the play area, the parking lot, and the street
  • Include an accessible pathway connecting the play areas to the wider pedestrian pathway system in Centennial Park, and to the bus stop at Rathburn Road and Elmcrest Road
  • Cost about the same amount

Design A: Folds

Three features that are unique to this design:

  • A play pavilion with a large shade structure and group swings
  • A large wooden play structure with towers, climbing, a slide, and a bridge.
  • A hillside lookout area over the park and creek

Design Concept A: FOLDS, with features listed following the image.

Design A: Folds includes:

  1. Entryway and plaza
  2. *Play pavilion: shade structure with hang out swings
  3. *Lookout
  4. Hillside slides and ropes
  5. *Play structure towers with bridge
  6. Water play: spray play, bucket, and tiny streams to play in
  7. Junior play: mounds, trampolines, spring toys, and sensory play (sand and/or water)
  8. Spinner, balance and post play or fitness area
  9. Swings
  10. Spinner, balance and post play or fitness area
  11. Washroom pavilion
  12. Picnic areas
  13. Ziptracks
  14. Tobogganing hill
  15. Naturalized buffer and tree planting
  16. Planters with seatwalls

Features with an asterisk (*) are unique to Design A: Folds.

Design B: Waves

Four features that are unique to this design:

  • A play pavilion with a large shade structure on top of rubber play mounds
  • A large rope course play structure
  • Tall hillside swings
  • Hang-out games room with ping pong tables, chess tables, and group seating

Design Concept B: WAVES, with features listed following the image.

Design B: Waves includes:

  1. Entryway and plaza
  2. *Play pavilion: shade structure with rubber mounds
  3. Junior play: mounds, trampolines, spring toys
  4. Junior play: sensory play (sand and/or water)
  5. Hillside slides and ropes
  6. *Rope course structure
  7. Water play: spray play, bucket, and tiny streams to play in
  8. Spinner, balance and post play or fitness area
  9. Ziptracks
  10.  *Hill swings: feature swings
  11.  Swings
  12.  *Hang-out games room: ping pong, group seating, chess tables
  13.  Washroom pavilion
  14.  Picnic areas
  15.  Naturalized buffer and tree planting
  16.  Tobogganing hill and picnic lawns
  17.  Seatwalls

Features with an asterisk (*) are unique to Design B: Waves.

Community Engagement Meetings and Events

May 2023

Online Survey

From April 18 to May 9, 2023 community members reviewed and shared feedback on draft design options for the playground and water play area improvements. 1078 people of all ages participated in 392 survey responses (households were encouraged to complete the survey together).

Download the May 2023 survey summary.

Virtual Community Design Workshop

On May 3, 2023, the project team held a virtual community workshop. Participants reviewed and provided feedback on draft design options for the playground and water play area in an interactive virtual space. Eight community members attended the workshop.

Watch a recording of the May 3, 2023 workshop.

Download the May 3, 2023 community design workshop summary.

Youth Engagement

On May 3, 2023, the project team held in-person workshops with students in a grade five class at Mill Valley Junior School and a grade six/seven class at Hollycrest Middle School. Participants reviewed and provided feedback on draft design options and features for the playground and water play area.

Download the May 3, 2023 youth engagement summary.

Indigenous Advisory Circle Meeting

On May 1, 2023, the project team held an Indigenous Advisory Circle meeting for the project. Three Indigenous community leaders attended the meeting to review emerging themes and provided suggestions, directions and advice for incorporating Indigenous Placekeeping throughout the site.

A presentation will be provided once available.

Download the May 1, 2023 Indigenous Advisory Circle meeting summary.

In this phase of the community engagement process, a final preferred design for the playground and water play area will be presented to the community for a final round of feedback and revision.

Community Engagement Meetings and Events

January 2024

Online Survey

From January 5 to January 29, an online survey received 296 responses about the playground and water play improvements.

Download the January 2024 survey summary.

Virtual Indigenous Sharing Circle

On January 24, 2024, Indigenous community members shared feedback on the proposed redesign of the playground and water play area. Indigenous Elder Catherine Tammaro, who is on the design team, helped to guide the inclusion of Indigenous placekeeping.

Download the January 24, 2024 Indigenous Sharing Circle meeting summary.

This project is part of the Centennial Park Master Plan Implementation, which guides changes to the park over the next 20 years.

The existing playground and wading pool is located at 151 Elmcrest Rd. and accessed from Rathburn Drive. The playground is west of Elmcrest Creek, south of the Centennial Park Conservatory and situated on top of a hill that slopes down to the creek. The existing wading pool is located at the bottom of the hill.

The playground currently includes:

  • Four swing sets with:
    • five swings for ages two to five
    • five swings for ages five and up
  • A medium-sized slide
  • A junior-sized slide
  • A climbing structure with two slides and an accessible ramp
  • Sand under all play areas
  • Wading pool with four segmented pool areas.

The existing playground and wading pool will be replaced by a large new playground and water play area that will serve the local community and be a destination feature for the City.

The new playground and water play area will include:

  • Play equipment and water play for ages two to 15
  • Accessible playground and water play with new accessible pathways connecting to the playground area
  • Additional seating
  • Indigenous Placekeeping