Construction of the MacPherson Park Inclusive Playground is planned for September 2026, pending final design completion and procurement timelines.
MacPherson Park Inclusive Playground
MacPherson Park is being transformed into a fully accessible, inclusive, destination-style play space that will serve families of all abilities for years to come. With support from Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities and Municipal funding, the new park will be rebuilt in 2026 and designed to offer a high-quality, barrier-free experience for residents and visitors.
This project aims to create a signature recreation space on Kincardine’s waterfront - one that reflects community priorities, modern accessibility standards, and long-term durability.
Why This Project Matters
The current playground equipment is aging and no longer meets the needs of today’s families. With new funding opportunities through Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, the Municipality has the chance to create a more inclusive play space - one that will support physical activity, sensory play, social interaction, and accessibility for children of all abilities.
explore MacPherson Park Inclusive Playground
Final Playground Design
Using feedback from the community, the Accessibility Advisory Committee, project partners, and the final public survey, the MacPherson Park Inclusive Playground design has now been finalized.
The renderings below showcase the future playground and highlight the accessible and inclusive features that will create a welcoming waterfront destination for children and families of all abilities. Updates made through the engagement process include the addition of a double slide, a tot swing, the community-selected shade structure, and an updated colour palette that reflects community feedback.
The playground will remain within its current footprint at MacPherson Park, with the lower portion of the park remaining unchanged. No trees are planned to be removed, and new plantings are included as part of the landscaping design. The new playground surfacing will be 100% poured-in-place rubber to support accessibility and inclusive play.
Community Engagement Summary
What We Heard
Thank you to everyone who participated in the MacPherson Park Inclusive Playground engagement process through public sessions, surveys, and consultation with the Accessibility Advisory Committee and project partners.
Community feedback helped shape the final playground design. Key themes identified throughout the engagement process included:
- Accessible and inclusive play opportunities for children of all abilities
- A ramped play structure with accessible routes throughout the playground
- More swings and a greater variety of swing types
- Shade within the play area
- Accessible connections to surrounding amenities and pathways
- Comfortable seating and rest areas for caregivers and visitors
A final design feedback survey received 94 responses. Results showed strong support for the proposed design, with:
- 75% of respondents rating the playground as a well or very well-designed inclusive and welcoming community space
- 78% of respondents rating the accessible connections to surrounding amenities as well or very well designed
- 61% of respondents rating the number of rest areas as well or very well provided
Feedback received throughout the project resulted in several refinements to the final design, including the addition of a double slide, a tot swing, the selected shade structure, updated colour selections, and dedicated picnic tables near the playground.
Project Notes:
- The playground will remain within its current footprint in the upper portion of the park.
- The lower portion of the park will remain unchanged.
- No trees are planned to be removed as part of this project.
- New plantings are included as part of the landscaping design.
- The playground surface will be 100% poured-in-place rubber for accessibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What will the impact to users be during construction? Will that path be blocked?
The asphalt pathway will be closed and the area around the park will be fenced off.
What will the playground surface be made of?
The new playground surfacing will be 100% poured-in-place rubber for accessibility.
No trees are planned to be removed as part of this project. New plantings are included in the landscaping plan to enhance shade and the overall park setting.
Will the playground stay in the same location?
Yes. The playground will remain within its current footprint in the upper portion of MacPherson Park. The lower area of the park will remain unchanged.
How was the playground design selected?
The preferred concept was shaped through public engagement, community survey responses, consultation with the Accessibility Advisory Committee, and discussions with project partners. These inputs helped identify key priorities such as accessibility, inclusive play, shade, and a range of play opportunities.
Residents can review the concept illustrations and complete the final community survey available on this project page during the engagement period.
Contact the Project Team
Mike Di Giovanni
Manager, Parks and Facilities
Municipality of Kincardine
mdigiovanni@kincardine.ca
519-396-3491 x 7315
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