The new Huntsmill 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 Huntsmill 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
Summer to Fall 2024: Design development
January 2025: Community engagement (online survey)
Winter to Spring 2025: Detailed design and hire a construction team
Summer/Fall 2025: Construction starts, playground closes
Winter 2025: Construction complete, playground reopens
The timeline is subject to change.
Project Updates
January 2026
Project Complete
Construction is complete and the improved playground opens to the public.
Final Playground Design
The final playground design and layout were determined using feedback from the community. The new playground will be AODA compliant and will include the following play features:
a swing set with:
two belt swings
two toddler swings
one accessible swing
a junior play structure for ages two to five with:
one double slide
three climbing options
one curvy climbing pole
one wheel panel
a challenge circuit for ages five to 12 with:
one balance beam
one climber bridge
one stone crossing
one overhead loop ladder
one spider web
one climbing wall
one spiral stepping stone
one sitting/kneeling spinner toy
The new playground will also include two new benches and a picnic table.
February 2025
Online Survey
From January 6 to February 3, 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 121 responses.
The design team will use this feedback to refine the final playground design. The final design will be available on this page in Winter 2025.
Key Feedback Highlights
When asked to rank their playground design preference, respondents ranked Playground Design C highest (47 per cent), followed by Playground Design B (28 per cent) and Playground Design A (25 per cent).
Respondents shared that the three most important features to include in the new playground are:
Climbing structures
Senior play structure for ages five to 12
Junior play structure for ages two to five
Respondents shared that the three least important features to include in the new playground are:
Play panels
Spinner toys
Double slide
If budget permits, the three features respondents would like more of in the improved playground are:
The preferred colour scheme for the new playground was bright colours, like yellow, orange and purple (53 per cent) over earthy colours like green, brown and grey (30 per cent).
Playground Options
All three designs are Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) compliant, have the same amount of play features and cost the same amount.
Playground Design A
Design A includes:
A swing set with:
Two belt swings
Two toddler swings
One accessible swing
A junior play structure for ages two to five with:
Two slides
Two climbing options
One wheel panel
A senior play structure for ages five to 12 with:
One straight slide
One spiral slide
Four climbing options
One sliding pole and arched bridge
Multiple play panels
Balance steps
One loop climbing structure
One sitting/kneeling spinner
Playground Design B
Design B includes:
A swing set with:
Two belt swings
Two toddler swings
One accessible swing
A junior play structure for ages two to five with:
One slide
One double slide
Three climbing options
A senior play structure for ages five to 12 with:
One straight slide
Seven climbing options
Three balancing options
Two play panels
One climbing spinner toy
Playground Design C
Design C includes:
A swing set with:
Two belt swings
One toddler swing
One accessible swing
A junior play structure for ages two to five with:
One double slide
Three climbing options
One curvy climbing pole
One wheel panel
A challenge circuit for ages five to 12 with:
One balance beam
One climber bridge
One stone crossing
One overhead loop ladder
One spider web
One climbing wall
One spiral stepping stone
One sitting/kneeling spinner toy
About the Project
Huntsmill Park playground is located on the east side of the park.
The playground currently includes:
two swing sets with:
four swings for ages two to five
four swings for ages five and up
one large play structure
one teeter-totter
sand under all play areas
three benches
The playground will be redesigned using community feedback and is proposed to include:
playground equipment for ages two to 12
upgraded 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.
