From the week of May 18 to July 2026, the playground will be closed for construction. Visit the Project Updates section for more information.
The City is improving the playground in Prairie Drive 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
Spring 2025: Community engagement
Winter 2025/2026: Detailed design and hire a construction team
Spring 2026: Playground closes, construction starts
Summer 2026: Construction complete, playground reopens
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Project Updates
May 2026
Construction Update
Construction for the new playground starts and is anticipated to continue until July 2026. The washroom building will also be closed as a result of the ongoing site works, and a section of the walkway north of the playground will be closed for repaving.
The nearest playgrounds are located at Byng Park, Oakridge Park and Madelaine Park.
April 2026
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:
one junior play structure for ages two to five with:
a curved slide
two straight slides side by side
a climbing wall with foot and handholds
a climbing tower
a small hammock
a steering wheel play feature
a telescope play feature
a shop counter play panel
one senior climbing course for ages five to 12 with:
in-ground and suspended small stepping platforms
balance beam
overhead ladders/monkey bars
bar bridges, a type of metal bar with climbing, hanging and perching activities
spider web climber
one swing set with:
two belt swings
two bucket swings.
one inclusive swing
one stand-alone play panel
one teeter-totter
one spinner
The new playground will also include two new benches, two new Muskoka chairs and one new picnic table.
May 2025
Online Survey
From April 16 to May 21, 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 179 responses.
The design team will use this feedback to refine the final playground design. The final design will be available on this page in Fall 2025.
Key Feedback Highlights
When asked to rank their playground design preference, respondents ranked Playground Design A highest (83 per cent) followed by Playground Design B (69 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:
If budget permits, the three features respondents would like more of in the improved playground are:
Climbing structures
Belt swings
Senior play structure for ages five to 12
For seating around the playground:
36 per cent of respondents liked Muskoka chairs
32 per cent of respondents liked armourstone seat walls
24 per cent of respondents liked benches
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 (19 per cent) and neutral colours with one accent colour like white, black, and turquoise (14 per cent)
In-Person Pop-Up Event
On May 13, the project team collected community feedback on multiple design options for the playground improvements at a pop-up event in Prairie Drive Park. Approximately 35 community members attended the event. Participants shared their preferences with sticky dots and comments on sticky notes. Two members of the project team provided information, answered questions and captured additional comments. The Councillor and their staff member also attended the event.
The design team will use this feedback to refine the final playground design.
Key Feedback Highlights
Participants preferred Playground Design A (16 dots) followed by Playground Design B (six dots).
Participants shared that the three most important features to include in the new playground are:
Participants shared that the least important feature to include in the new playground was a straight slide
For seating around the playground:
11 participants liked picnic tables
Eight participants liked benches
Seven participants liked Muskoka chairs
Six participants liked armourstone seat walls
The preferred colour scheme for the new playground was bright colours, like yellow, orange, and purple (seven dots) over neutral colours (three dots).
Participants’ suggestions included improving the walking paths and access to the playground, and adding more climbing structures, swings, and a tall slide.
Playground Options
All three designs are Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) compliant, have the same number of play features and cost the same amount.
Playground Design A
Design A includes:
One junior play structure for ages two to five with:
A curved slide
Two wavy slides side by side
A climbing wall with foot and handholds
A climbing tower
A small hammock for sitting or lounging
A steering wheel play feature that fosters imaginative play
One senior climbing course for ages five to 12 with:
In-ground and suspended small stepping platforms
Balance beam
Overhead ladders/monkey bars
Bar bridges, a type of metal bar with climbing, hanging and perching activities
Spider web climber
One swing set with:
Two belt swings
Two bucket swings.
One inclusive swing for individuals who do not use the standard belt swings or bucket swings
One stand-alone play panel
One teeter-totter
One spinner
Playground Design B
Design B includes:
One junior play structure for ages two to five with:
A double slide
A climbing tower
One senior play structure for ages five to 12 with:
A wavy slide
Climbing tower
One swing set with:
Two belt swings
One bucket swing
One inclusive swing for individuals who do not use the standard belt swings or bucket swings
One individual springer toy
One group springer toy
One seated spinner
About the Project
Prairie Drive Park Playground is located east of the parking lot.
The playground currently includes:
Eight swings
One metal slide, one curved metal slide and one metal double slide
A play structure with climbing options
Sand and gravel 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.
