The Township of Muskoka Lakes approved a nearly $300,000 increase to the budget for the Hanna Park playground rehabilitation project.
Council approved an increase to the budget from the original $261,300 to $550,000 following a report presented by Corey Moore, Manager of Parks, Recreation and Facilities, during a July 29 council meeting.
Moore said the increase was necessary to support a concept that more closely aligns with and reflects the character of the playground, and to develop a new playground that honours its legacy while providing a safe and accessible space for future generations.
The report states that the existing structure, which is more than 25 years old, has reached the end of its service life and may pose safety risks to the community.
Earlier in July, the Township conducted a community survey to gather feedback on the playground concept, following the same engagement approach successfully used for other playground replacement projects.
Moore said over 100 responses were received from that survey expressing concerns that the proposed replacement offered less play value and fewer play opportunities than the current structure.
According to staff, a consistent theme throughout the feedback was the community’s desire to see a larger and more adventurous playground that better reflected the unique character of the current Hanna Park playground.
Additionally, staff said respondents expressed interest in additional climbing features, taller play elements, more challenging and inclusive play opportunities, and a design that would create a destination playground capable of serving children of a wider range of ages and abilities.
With an increased budget, the new park is expected to include several new play features, including a Junior Timber Tower, monkey bars and interconnected elements such as log piles and leaf steppers.
The Junior Timber Tower will feature a double slide, accessible transfer bench, rung ladder, cube-stacked climber and climbing wall, offering a variety of play opportunities for children of different ages and abilities.
Staff said the increased funding will allow the space beneath the tower to be customized with a variety of play features, creating more opportunities for accessible and imaginative play while maximizing the usable play area. The design will also preserve the character of the existing playground while introducing a modern and inclusive play experience.
According to the report, the budget increase will be funded through grant opportunities, including the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) and the Building Strong Communities Fund, as well as community fundraising initiatives and the deferral of other capital projects.
Following a lengthy discussion, staff were directed to work with Earthscape, the company awarded the project, to refine the playground layout and finalize the design. An updated concept is expected in the coming weeks.
