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.

Click here to view the final design.

Project Background

History

The playground at Hanna Park has been a valued part of the Port Carling community for more than 25 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 (completed)

We've used your feedback from earlier phases to develop draft design concepts, and received additional input to inform the final design.

The final playground design is now complete!

The new design carries forward the adventurous character of the existing playground through timber towers, connected play elements, climbing opportunities and imaginative play, while meeting today's safety and accessibility standards.

Thank you! Your feedback helped inform discussions around the Council table on Wednesday, July 29, regarding next steps for this community project, watch the discussion here.

Phase Four – Approval & Implementation (current)

On July 29, Council approved an increased project budget and selected a playground concept that better reflects the character of the existing playground. The decision was informed by community feedback, independent playground inspections, and expert recommendations. For a complete overview of the latest decision, find Council Provides Direction on the Future of the Hanna Park Playground under the Newsfeed below.

See the Final Design: Hanna Park Final Playground Design

Upcoming Event: Friday, September 11 at 4:00 p.m. Find details in Final Design & Event post below.

Information to know:

• Construction begins: September 14, 2026 (playground will be closed until further notice). The surrounding areas of the park will remain open.
• Expected completion/opening: Spring 2027 (stay tuned for our grand opening!)
• What you’ll see: material removal, site preparation, installation, landscaping, etc.