The City is improving the playground in Stan Wadlow Park. These improvements are part of an ongoing city-wide program to ensure playgrounds provide safe and accessible fun for many years to come!
Project Timeline
November 2023: hire a construction team
Spring 2024: construction starts
Early summer 2024: Construction complete, playground reopens
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Project Updates
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November 2023
Final Playground Design
Final design for Stan Wadlow Playground.
The final playground design and layout were determined using feedback from the community. This refined design is an amalgamation of the previously presented concepts. It has the new look and layout of Option B while maintaining some of the existing play equipment and incorporating enhanced accessibility components as per Option A.
The refined design incorporates comments from the community expressing a desire for more climbing opportunities, more accessibility and more safety.
A large, new climbing structure, geared to the skill level of older kids, has been added, while the existing blue senior play structure and upright net climber are being kept as they offer good play value. A large, new junior play structure is provided to offer greater accessible play. This structure now includes more slides, climbers and play panels, linked by ramps to allow for full inclusion in the play experience. The sand feature has been eliminated and neutral-coloured rubber safety surfacing is being provided. Finally, an accessible asphalt pathway has been provided that connects to various accessible group and individual seating options. Shade structures and armourstone seatwall may be installed pending budget.
List of play equipment elements:
One new wheelchair-accessible junior play structure for ages two to five fully ramped to elevated play elements:
one small double slide
one small straight slide
6+ climbing options including overhead climber
multiple play panels
One existing senior play structure (relocated) for ages five to 12 with:
one medium double slide
one spiral slide
multiple climbing options
multiple play panels
New senior ‘Fortress’ climber for ages five to 12
New 2.5 bay swing set with:
Two swings for ages five to 12
Two swings for ages two to five
One accessible swing
One stand-alone accessible group disc swing
One existing net climber for ages five to 12
One stand-up spinner
One saddle spinner
One chill spinner
One double user spring toy
January 2023
Online Survey
From December 5, 2022, to January 29, 2023, feedback on multiple playground design 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 945 responses.
The design team will use this feedback to refine a final design. The final design will be available on this page in March 2023.
Key Feedback Highlights
When asked to rank their playground design preference, respondents ranked Playground Design B highest (70 per cent) followed by Playground Design A (30 per cent)
Respondents shared that the three most important features to include in the new playground are:
senior play structure for ages five to 12
climbing structures
junior play structure for ages 18 months to five years
Respondents shared that the three least important features to include in the new playground are:
play panels
spinner toys
teeter totter
If budget permits, the three features respondents would like more of in the improved playground are:
climbing structures
senior play structure for ages five to 12
space net climber
For seating around the playground:
63 per cent of respondents like seatwalls
80 per cent of respondents like benches
71 per cent of respondents like picnic tables
The preferred colour scheme for the new playground was bright colours, like yellow, orange, and purple (42 per cent) over earthy colours like green, brown, and grey (39 per cent)
The preferred ground cover for the playground is wood chips (50 per cent)
Additional Feedback
A number of respondents shared that the sandbox is a potential cause for concern and is a “least desired feature”
A number of respondents shared how valuable the existing structure with the accessible ramp and bridges is for their children and that having a space that does not require steps/climbing to explore is quite rare and important
A number of respondents shared how valuable they feel the existing senior structure is for their children
Playground Options
Both designs are accessible, have the same amount of play features and cost the same amount.
Playground Design A preserves the existing blue play structure and swings, and provides various other new play components. The play area is a combination of rubber surfacing and engineered wood fiber surfacing. Accessible play elements can be accessed across the rubber surface, including a large spinner. It also includes a new sand play area with a small shade shelter and an accessible sand table.
Design A includes:
Existing blue structure to be maintained
Existing four-swing set to be maintained with:
four belt swings
four toddler swing
one accessible swing (note one seat to be replaced to accommodate this seat)
One junior play structure for ages two to five with:
one small curved slide
three climbing options
multiple play panels
One senior space net climber play structure for ages five to 12
One accessible group spinner
One see-saw
One stand up spinner
Two saddle spinners
One two seater spring toy
Five accessible benches
Six accessible picnic tables
Sandbox with shade structure, elevated sand table (accessible) and concrete seatwalls
Fully accessible asphalt path around play area
Concrete bench pads and a small concrete plaza/gathering area
Combination of rubber and engineered wood fibre safety surfacing
Concrete playground border with an accessible ramp in the engineered wood fibre safety surface
Three new deciduous trees
Rolled concrete curbing/raised mulch beds
Playground Design B illustrates all new play equipment, including a junior play structure with an accessible ramp, and a senior play structure with obstacle course type play elements. It also includes a large new sand play area with a small shade shelter and an accessible sand table.
Design B includes:
A swingset with:
two belt swings
two toddler swings
one accessible swing
One junior play structure for ages two to five with an accessible ramp to elevated play elements:
one small double slide
three climbing options
one climbing pole
One senior play structure for ages five to 12 with:
one medium double slide
two curved slides
six climbing options
two hanging spinner and monkey bars
multiple play panels
One stand-up spinner
One saddle spinner
One chill spinner
Spring and spinner toys
Multiple play panels
Climbing structure
One double bobble rider spring toy
One accessible multi-user disk swing
Four benches
Seven accessible picnic tables
Sandbox with elevated sand table (accessible) and armourstone seatwalls
Fully accessible asphalt path around play area
Concrete bench pads
Engineered wood fibre safety surfacing
Concrete playground border with an accessible ramp
Three new coniferous trees
About the Project
Stan Wadlow Park Playground is located at the centre of Stan Wadlow Park, east of the Stan Wadlow Club House.
The playground currently includes:
Four swing sets with:
Four swings for ages 18 months to five
Four swings for ages five and up
A double slide for ages 18 months to five
A single slide for ages five and up
A junior climbing structure
A senior climbing structure
An accessible ramp with access to three platforms
Sand under all play areas
The playground will be redesigned using feedback from the community. The redesigned playground is proposed to include:
Playground equipment for ages 18 months and up
Additional seating and shade
Engineered wood fibre playground surfacing
Accessible play equipment and an accessible pathway connecting to the playground area. This means that people of all abilities will be able to play at this playground.
Other play components and features will be determined through the community engagement process
Improvements will only be made in the general playground area. This will not include any new water or lighting features or improvements to other areas of the park.
