Review feedback from the online survey in the Project Updates section.
The City is improving the playground in Sandover 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 2025: Hire a design team
Fall 2025: Design development
Winter 2026: Community engagement (online survey)
Spring to Summer 2026: Detailed design and hire a construction team
Fall 2026: Construction starts, playground closes
Winter 2026: Construction complete, playground reopens
The timeline is subject to change.
Project Updates
February 2026
Online Survey
From January 26 to February 16, feedback on multiple playground design options and fitness equipment 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 213 responses.
The design team will use this feedback to refine the final playground and fitness area design. The final design will be available on this page in Summer 2026.
Key Feedback Highlights
When asked to rank their playground design preference, respondents preferred Playground Design A (74 per cent) over Playground Design B (26 per cent)
Respondents shared that the three most important features to include in the new playground are:
climbing structures
senior play structure for ages 5 to 12
junior play structure for ages 2 to 5
Respondents shared that the three least important features to include in the new playground are:
play panels
stand-alone toys (e.g. spring toy)
stand-up spinner toys
If budget permits, the three features respondents would like more of in the improved playground are:
climbing structures
senior play structure for ages 5 to 12
spiral slide]
Overall, 39 per cent of respondents were very satisfied and 40 per cent were satisfied with the proposed fitness area design.
If there is an opportunity to include additional fitness equipment in the proposed design, the most preferred equipment was:
ab crunch and leg lift (29 per cent)
assisted row and push-up (26 per cent)
pull-up bars (26 per cent)
For seating around the playground:
84 per cent of respondents like metal tables with umbrella shade
56 per cent of respondents like benches
30 per cent of respondents like armour stones
The preferred colour scheme for the new playground was earthy colours, like green, brown, beige and grey with a pop of bright colour (41 per cent) over vibrant cool colours, like blue, turquoise and purple (36 per cent) and Bright warm colours like yellow, orange and red (17 per cent).
In-Person Pop-Up Event
On January 28, the project team collected community feedback on two design options for the playground improvements and one proposed fitness area design at a pop-up event in the Toronto Public Library, Brookbanks Branch. Approximately 33 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 design team will use this feedback to refine the final playground and fitness area design.
Key Feedback Highlights
Participants preferred Playground Design B (15 dots) followed by Playground Design A (four dots).
Participants shared that the four most important features to include in the new fitness area are:
balancing steps (four dots)
assisted row and push-up (four dots)
multi-level parallel bars (four dots)
long bench (four dots)
For seating around the playground:
13 participants liked metal tables with umbrella shade
six participants liked benches
two participants liked armour stones
The preferred colour scheme for the new playground was bright cool colours, like blue, turquoise and purple (four dots), over earthy colours like green, brown, beige and grey (three dots) and bright warm colours like yellow, orange and red (one dot).
Participants suggestions included adding monkey bars and a gazebo.
New Fitness Area Design
There is one proposed design for the new fitness area. All equipment is suitable for adults of varying fitness levels and will be installed on wood fibre safety surfacing.
The proposed fitness area includes:
one jumping stools set
one parallel bar
one inclined ab bench
one leg/body lift
one step up
Playground Options
All three designs are 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
one toddler swing
one accessible swing
a junior play structure for ages two to five with:
accessible transfer station
four creative and sensory play panels
one telescope play feature
three straight slides
three difference climbing structures
one climbing wall
maple leaf styles roofing element
a senior play structure for ages five to 12 with:
accessible transfer station
three creative and sensory play panels
one play hammock
one straight slide
one double slide
one wavy climber
one climbing wall
one overhead loop ladder
one crawl crossing structure
one cable bridge
one art deco-style bridge
one play table
one seating bench
one stepping stone
two spring riders
one standing spinner
standalone play features:
tree-themed climbing wall
creative individual play space
Playground Design B
Design B includes:
a swing set with:
two belt swings
one toddler swings
one accessible swing
a junior play structure for ages two to five with:
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Level of Engagement
This project has been classified as a Consult project based on the International Association for Public Participation‘s Spectrum. This means we collect and consider public feedback on proposed design options to inform the development of a final playground design.
About the Project
Sandover Park is located near the intersection of York Mills Road and the Don Valley Parkway. The playground is in the northwest area of the park and is separated into two sections by a walkway.
The playground currently includes:
two swing sets with:
two swings for ages two to five
two swings for ages five and up
one junior play structure with:
one double slide
one tunnel
two climbing options
two play panel
one senior play structure with:
one covered spiral slide
one sliding pole
two climbing options
one play panel
a climbing structure with five overhead climbing options
one sand table
one playhouse
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 from the sidewalk 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.
