The City is improving the playground in Gwendolen 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!
While we aim to provide fully accessible content, there is no text alternative available for some of the content on this site. If you require alternate formats or need assistance understanding our maps, drawings, or any other content, please contact Thevishka Kanishkan at 416-394-2955.
Project Timeline
Fall 2024 to Late 2024: Community engagement
Winter/Spring 2025: Detailed design and hire a construction team
Summer/Fall 2025: Construction starts
Fall/Winter 2025: Construction complete, playground reopens
Sign up for or unsubscribe from updates related to Gwendolen Park Playground Improvements.
Project Updates
October 2024
Online Survey and Pop-up
From October 11 to November 1, feedback on multiple playground design options was collected in an online survey. The survey was promoted through paid social media ads, the local Councillor’s office, on-site signage, and on this page. The survey received a total of 158 responses.
On October 15, 2024, a community pop-up event was held in the park. 91 people visited the pop-up and provided feedback.
The design team will use this feedback to refine the final playground design. The final design will be available on this page in Winter/Spring 2025.
Key Feedback Highlights
When asked to rank their playground design preference, respondents ranked Playground Design A highest (73 per cent) followed by Playground Design B (27 per cent).
Respondents shared that the three most important features to include in the new playground are:
The senior play structure for ages five to 12
Climbing structures
The junior play structure for ages two to five
Respondents shared that the three least important features to include in the new playground are:
Stand-alone toys (e.g. springer)
Play panels
Stand-up spinner toys
If budget permits, the three features respondents would like more of in the improved playground are:
Climbing structures
The senior play structure for ages five to 12
The junior play structure for ages two to five
For seating around the playground:
73 per cent of respondents like benches
64 per cent of respondents like Muskoka chairs
52 per cent of respondents like Armourstone seatwalls
The preferred colour scheme for the new playground was bright colours, like yellow, orange, and purple (59 per cent) over earthy colours like green, brown, and grey (27 per cent) or neutral colours with one accent colour, like white, black, and turquoise (13 per cent)
Playground Options
All three designs are Accessibility for Ontarians for Accessibility (AODA) compliant, have the same amount of play features and cost the same amount.
Playground Design A
Design A includes:
One junior play structure for ages two to five with:
Single curved slide: a curved slide attached to the play structure.
Play panel: a panel with moving parts and openings that encourages tactile, auditory and visual sensory engagement.
Climbing tower: a climbing tower enclosed with railings with exterior climbing features, including steps, shade roof, and bars.
One senior play structure for ages five to 12 with:
Curved slide: one curved slide attached to the play structure.
Wavy slide: a wavy slide attached to the play structure.
Climbing tower: a climbing tower enclosed with railings with both interior and exterior climbing features, including rope climbers, steps, poles, a shade roof and hanging bars.
One swing set with:
Four belt swings: four individual swings.
Two bucket swings: two high back bucket swings for toddlers.
One inclusive swing: one AODA accessible swing intended for individuals who do not use the standard belt swings or bucket swings. Inclusive seats are meant to accommodate children of all shapes, sizes and abilities.
One springer: a play feature designed for younger children that fosters imaginative play. Children can sit on a seat and initiate gentle back-and-forth movement.
One standalone climber: a multi-purpose climber that provides climbing, hanging, and perching activities
One spinner: a rotating barrel suitable for multiple users to grip and steer themselves or to be spun around by others.
Playground Design B
Design B includes:
One junior play structure for ages two to five with:
Single wavy slide: a wavy slide attached to the play structure.
Climbing tower: a climbing tower enclosed with railings with exterior climbing features, including steps, a shade roof, and a steering wheel panel with moving parts that encourages tactile, auditory and visual sensory engagement.
One senior play structure for ages five to 12 with:
Curved slide: one curved slide attached to the play structure.
Wavy slide: a wavy slide attached to the play structure.
Climbing tower: a climbing tower enclosed with railings with both interior and exterior climbing features, including bar climbers, steps, poles, a shade roof, hanging bars and a chain bridge
One large, standalone jungle gym: a multi-purpose climber for ages five to 12 that provides climbing, hanging, and perching activities
One swing set with:
Three belt swings: three individual swings.
Two bucket swings: two high back bucket swings for toddlers.
One inclusive swing: one AODA accessible swing intended for individuals who do not use the standard belt swings or bucket swings. Inclusive seats are meant to accommodate children of all shapes, sizes and abilities.
One springer: a play feature designed for younger children that fosters imaginative play. Children can sit on a seat and initiate gentle back-and-forth movement.
Site Plan
The new playground will remain in the same location. It will feature large, decorative stones and additional garden plantings to tie into the natural ravine surroundings.
Proposed layout of the playground and surrounding area.
The following features will be included in the playground and surrounding area:
Accessible concrete walkway
Relocated waste receptacles on concrete surfacing
Benches and Muskoka chairs on concrete surfacing
Accessible playground with engineered wood fiber safety surfacing, accessible concrete ramp into play space, and concrete curb
Armourstone seatwall
New plantings
About the Project
Gwendolen Park Playground is located east of the existing ball diamond near the park entrance at Radine Road and Gwendolen Avenue.
The playground currently includes:
two swing sets with four swings and two junior swings
fitness equipment
two slides
a spiral slide
a double junior slide
a play structure with climbing options
a sand play table
sand under all play areas
The playground will be redesigned using community feedback and is proposed to include:
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.
