The new Heathrow Park playground is open! Thank you to all the community members who provided their feedback throughout the playground improvement process!
The City is improving the playground in Heathrow 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
- Spring 2023: Community engagement (online survey)
- Spring to Summer 2023: Detailed design and hire a construction team
- Fall 2023: Construction starts
- Winter 2023: Construction complete, playground reopens
The timeline is subject to change.
Project Updates
November 2023
Project Complete
Construction is complete and the improved playground opens to the public.
May 2023
Final Playground Design
The final playground design and layout were determined using feedback from the community. One additional bench has been added to the final design, meaning two new benches are being provided, as well as a seatwall.
The new playground will be accessible and will include the following features:
- One senior play structure for ages five to 12 with:
- One small curved slide
- One large curved slide
- One play counter (ice cream shop)
- Two roofs for partial shade
- Transfer stations
- One standalone surfer motion toy (sitting/standing)
April 2023
Online Survey
From April 5 to April 19, 2023, 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 152 responses.
The design team will use this feedback to refine a final design. The final design will be available on this page in Spring 2023.
Key Feedback Highlights
- When asked to rank their playground design preference, respondents ranked Playground Design B highest (39 per cent) followed by Playground Design C (35 per cent) and Playground Design A (25 per cent).
- Respondents shared that the three most important features to include in the new playground are:
- slides
- climbing structure
- keeping the swingset
- Respondents shared that the three least important features to include in the new playground are:
- standalone play panels
- standalone motion toys (eg. Surfboard, spinner)
- climbing structures
- If budget permits, the three features respondents would like more of in the improved playground are:
- Climbing structures for ages five to 12
- Junior play options for ages two to five
- Slides
- For seating around the playground:
- 57 per cent of respondents like seatwalls
- 81 per cent of respondents like benches
- 79 per cent of respondents like picnic tables
- The preferred colour scheme for the new playground was bright colours, like red, orange, and blue (65 per cent) over earthy colours like green, brown, and grey (23 per cent).
Playground Options
All three designs are accessible, have the same amount of play features and cost the same amount.
Playground Design A
Design A includes:
- One senior play structure for ages five to 12 with:
- Double slide with waves
- A medium curved slide
- Three different climbing options
- Several themed play panels
- Transfer stations
- One standalone senior climbing play structure for ages five to 12 with:
- A variety of overhead climbers both fixed and moveable
- A stepping stone
- One stand-up/sit-down spinner motion toy
Playground Design B
Design B includes:
- One senior play structure for ages five to 12 with:
- One small curved slide
- One large curved slide
- One play counter (ice cream shop)
- Two roofs for partial shade
- Transfer stations
- One standalone surfer motion toy (sitting/standing)
Playground Design C
Design C includes:
- One senior play structure for ages five to 12 with:
- One medium wavy slide
- Three different climbing options
- One space themed play panel
- Transfer stations
- Roof for partial shade
- One space-themed climbing obstacle course structure for ages five to 12 with a variety of climbers, including overhead climbers that can move or are fixed, stepping climbers, balance beam and lateral climbers
About the Project
Heathrow Park Playground is located at 69 Heathrow Rd., near Jane Street in North York.
The playground currently includes:
- One swing set with:
- Two swings for ages two to five
- Two swings for ages five and up
- A ship-themed junior climbing structure (ages two to five) with two slides
- Sand under all play areas
The playground will be redesigned using feedback from the community. The existing junior play structure will remain at the playground as-is. The redesigned playground is proposed to include:
- New senior playground equipment for ages five to 12
- Additional seating
- 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.
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.
