Willowbrook Park Playground Consultation

Rendering of a redesigned playground at Willowbrook Park showing slides, swings, climbing structures, and families using surrounding walking paths and parking areas.

Willowbrook Park is one of Brookhaven’s most cherished green spaces, known for its vibrant community atmosphere and natural beauty. As the city continues to grow, so too does the demand for modern, inclusive, and accessible recreational facilities. The current playground, a favorite spot for local families, is due for an upgrade to better serve the diverse needs of our community's children. This autumn, the City of Brookhaven is seeking input from residents on how to best redesign Willowbrook Park’s playground to create a space that is fun, safe, and welcoming for all. Through this consultation, the City hopes to learn which play features families value most, how the space can better support social interaction and imaginative play, and what improvements would make the park more welcoming for the entire community. Your feedback will help guide the design team as they develop concepts for a refreshed playground that will serve Brookhaven residents for years to come. Some changes...

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Contact & Language Services

The City of Brookhaven is committed to inclusive and accessible public engagement. Services and consultation materials are available in English and French.
If you would like to receive information or communicate with City staff in French, please contact us.

Email: engage@brookhaven.ca
Phone: (555) 123-4567
Address: City of Brookhaven, 100 Civic Square, Brookhaven, ON
Accessibility accommodations and alternative formats are available upon request.

Background Information

Why is the playground being updated?

Willowbrook Park’s playground has been a popular destination for families in Brookhaven for many years. As the equipment approaches the end of its lifecycle, the City has an opportunity to reimagine the space to better meet the needs of today’s community. Updating the playground will allow the City to introduce modern play equipment, improve safety features, and ensure the space supports children of different ages and abilities.

What improvements are being considered?

The City is exploring a range of potential improvements for the new playground. These may include inclusive play equipment designed for children of all abilities, updated safety surfacing, shaded seating areas for caregivers, and natural play features that reflect the park’s environment. 

Example park and campus landscape with pathways and trees
How will community feedback be used?

Public feedback will play an important role in shaping the final playground design. Ideas and suggestions gathered through this consultation will help City staff and designers understand which features are most important to residents. The input received will be reviewed alongside technical requirements, safety standards, and available funding to develop a final design that reflects community priorities while creating a safe and enjoyable play space for years to come.

Important Documents

Document
Doc1-Willowbrook Park Playground Renewal.pdf (125.24 KB)
This document provides an overview of the playground renewal project, including its goals, scope, and how community feedback will inform the design process.
Document
Doc2-Willowbrook Park Site Map and Existing Playground Layout.pdf (163.3 KB)
A map showing the current layout of Willowbrook Park and the location of the existing playground area to help participants understand the project site.
Document
Doc3-Inclusive Playground Design Principles Guide.pdf (287.67 KB)
An overview of the accessibility and inclusive design principles the City is considering to ensure the new playground is welcoming and usable for children of all abilities.

Important Documents

Project Updates – Willowbrook

Revised Design Incorporates Community Input

9 March, 2026
Based on feedback gathered during the initial consultation phase, the project team has refined the playground concept. The updated design includes additional play elements and improved pathways to create a more welcoming and accessible space for families.

Updated Playground Plan Released

2 March, 2026
An updated concept plan for the Willowbrook Park playground has been released following the first round of community feedback. The revised design reflects many of the ideas shared by residents, including expanded play areas and improved accessibility features.

Project Consultation Announced

8 January, 2026
The City of Brookhaven has launched a public consultation to gather input on the future redesign of the Willowbrook Park playground. Residents are invited to share their ideas and priorities to help shape the vision for this community space.

Get Involved

Report a Willowtail Squirrel Sighting (Map Based Feedback)

Help us track the playful Willowtail Squirrel! Use our interactive map to mark the locations where you've spotted this charming brown squirrel around Willowbrook Park. Your contributions will help us better understand the habitat and movement patterns of this local species.

Project Listeners

These team members are available to help you participate and share your thoughts on the project.

Profile of Carlos

Carlos Martinez

Senior Urban Planner

Send me an email →

emily profile image

Emily Harper

Community Engagement Coordinator

Send me an email →

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Sophie Bennett

Parks and Recreation Manager

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Important Links

Canadian Parks and Recreation Association – Inclusive Playgrounds

Learn about national guidance and best practices for designing inclusive playgrounds that welcome children of all abilities.
https://www.cpra.ca

ParticipACTION – Benefits of Active Outdoor Play

Explore research and resources on how outdoor play and recreation support children’s health and development.
https://www.participaction.com

Rick Hansen Foundation – Accessible Public Spaces

Discover resources and design principles that support accessibility and inclusion in public spaces and community infrastructure.
https://www.rickhansen.com

Engagement type
Awaiting image input.
Involve
Ensure your input is heard to help us define early options.

How Landscape Architects set the Stage for Games and Fun

Landscape architects design playground spaces that encourage exploration, creativity, and social interaction. By thoughtfully arranging play equipment, seating, planting areas, and pathways, they create environments where children can move freely, discover new activities, and play safely.

Listen to an audio description of the conceptual layout.

Hand-drawn landscape design plan with trees, shrubs, walkways, and seating areas.e of

Celebrate Local Talent & Nature

Join us in appreciating the creativity of our neighbors and the natural charm of Willowbrook Park. To the left are the photos submitted by residents this autumn. Browse the gallery, find the photo that speaks to you, and vote for your favorite. Your choice will help crown the winning photographer!

 

Submitted Photos

Children in park
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View full gallery

Example Embedded Interactive Tool

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Interactive Content Placeholder

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