Township Invites Feedback on New Hanna Park Playground Design

Building on a legacy of community collaboration, the Township is seeking feedback on the draft design for the new Hanna Park Playground by Friday, July 24 at 12:00 p.m. EST.

MUSKOKA LAKES, ON, July 13, 2026 – The Township of Muskoka Lakes is inviting the community to review and provide feedback on a draft design concept for the future Hanna Park Playground. Residents and visitors are encouraged to share their thoughts through the Engage Muskoka Lakes project page by Friday, July 24, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. (EST).

For more than 20 years, the Hanna Park Playground has been a cherished gathering place in Port Carling. Originally built through the generosity of local residents, businesses, and volunteers, the playground has welcomed generations of children and families. As the existing structure has now reached the end of its service life, the Township is working to create a new playground that honours its legacy while providing a safe, accessible space for future generations.

Since Summer 2025, engagement with the community emphasized the importance of preserving the playground's natural, wood-based character and its connection to the Muskoka landscape.

Using this feedback, the Township has partnered with Earthscape to develop the playground concepts and reflect the character of the existing playground while incorporating high quality natural materials and modern safety standards. The concepts also retain key heritage features, including the existing wood picket fence and commemorative family name plaques.

"From the families who helped build it to the children who have grown up playing here, the Hanna Park playground has become part of the fabric of Port Carling," said Mayor Peter Kelley. "As we look to the future, we're proud to be writing this next chapter together once again. The legacy of this playground was built by the community, and its future will be shaped by it too.”

How To Participate

1. Review the playground design concept here (or below): Hanna Park Playground Rehabilitation
2. Complete the online survey by Friday, July 24, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. EST here: Hanna Park Playground Rehabilitation Survey. Written feedback may be submitted to the Township Office (1 Bailey St.) during regular business hours. 

Next Steps

Feedback received will be presented to Township Council on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. Subject to Council approval, material procurement is anticipated to begin this Fall, with the new playground expected to open in Spring 2027.

The Township has also applied for funding through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC). If successful, the project may also include additional improvements identified through the Hanna Park Development Plan, including replacement of the pavilion, expanded docking opportunities, and a small river viewing platform.

Members of the community are welcome to share input on any of the Township parks listed on the Parks Development Plans page at any time through the ‘Share Your Ideas’ forum.

For more information and to participate in the survey, visit: Hanna Park Playground Rehabilitation

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