Hanna Park Playground Rehabilitation

As part of the Park Development Plans, outlined in the Township’s Parks and Trails Standards Manual, Hanna Park has been identified as a destination park requiring upgrades to address aging infrastructure and meet safety requirements as provided by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA). Since Summer 2025, we’ve been engaging with you, the community, on ideas and design elements.

Now in Phase Three, we’ve taken this feedback, and have a fresh design mock up ready for your review! Here's how to get involved during this phase:

1. Review the playground concept here: Hanna Park Playground Design Mock Up
2. Submit your feedback by Friday, July 24, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. EST using the survey below.

Your feedback will inform discussions around the Council table on July 29, regarding priorities and next steps for this community project.

Project Background

History

The playground at Hanna Park has been a valued part of the Port Carling community for more than 20 years. Built entirely through the generosity of local residents, businesses, and volunteers, it reflects the strong community spirit that helped bring it to life. The family name plaques displayed on the playground fence continue to recognize those contributions.

Over the years, the playground has become a place where generations of children have played, explored, and made lasting memories. While ongoing maintenance and repairs have helped extend its lifespan, the structure has now exceeded its expected 20-year service life and replacement is necessary to ensure it remains safe and accessible for future generations.

Community Engagement & Design Approach

Since Summer 2025, the Township has been engaging with the community around a refreshed design that consistently highlighted the importance of retaining a wood-based playground that reflects the character of the existing structure and compliments the natural Muskoka landscape.

In response, the Township issued a Request for Proposals seeking a replacement that closely reflects the existing playground. Earthscape has been selected to design and construct the new playground using high quality natural materials, while preserving as much of the playground's existing character as possible. Current concepts also retain the existing wood picket fence and commemorative family name plaques.

Potential Funding Applications

The Township has also applied for funding through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), with a decision expected this fall. If successful, the project may also include additional improvements identified through the Hanna Park Development Plan, such as replacing the pavilion, expanding docking opportunities, and adding a small river viewing platform.

Timeline

Phase One - Ideation Stage (completed)

In Summer 2025, we reached out to the community to gather input and ideas around upgrades to Hanna Park.

Phase Two – Landscape Concept Survey (completed)

In Fall 2025, we gathered input on the draft landscape designs, based on the feedback received from Phase One. Community feedback consistently highlighted the importance of retaining a wood-based playground that reflects the character of the existing structure and complements the natural Muskoka landscape.

Phase Three – Mock Ups & Design Review Stage (current)

We've used your feedback from earlier phases to develop draft design concepts. Now, we'd like your input to help shape the final design.

Review the Design: Hanna Park Playground Design Mock Up

Proposed playground amenities:

• Double Bay Juno Swing (Basket, Belt, All-User Seat)
• Sand Pit and Digger
• Log Tangle 4.1
• Sensory Play Panels (x2)
• Mountain Cabin with Theme Elements and Flag
• Fish Junior Form
• 4’ June Slide Platform

CLOSED (Thank you!): Review the design mock ups for Hanna Park and let us know your thoughts by Friday, July 24 at 12:00 p.m. EST through the survey below. Your feedback will inform discussions around the Council table on Wednesday, July 29, regarding next steps for this community project (Tune in on our Government Portal).

Please Note: This concept is not final and Phase Four (below) may be updated based on Council's discussion on July 29.

Phase Four – Approval & Implementation (coming soon)

Subject to Council approval, the project will proceed to material procurement and construction scheduling, with work to begin in Fall 2026 and the playground expected to open in Spring 2027 (these dates are not final and set to change).