Compton Park

Compton Park playground needs to be replaced due to the aging equipment. Consultation on the design of the playground commenced on Feb. 9, 2023, with an online public meeting, and from Feb. 9 to March 2, feedback on two playground design options was collected in an online survey. Public feedback was collected from approximately 65 respondents during the consultation period.

Feedback highlights

Playground:

• Monkey bars, swings, fireman poles, turning bars, climbers, and slides, particularly the different level spiral slides were the top favourite components from the old play equipment. The flexible play at multiple levels and the bright colours are important aspects as well.
• When asked to rank the playground equipment preference, respondents ranked Option 1 (71%) and Option 2 (11%). Although some mentioned they would prefer to not choose any if they had the option.
• When asked to rank the playground layout preference, respondents ranked Layout 1 (26%), Layout 2 (7%), didn’t have a preference (18%), and didn’t choose either (49%). Suggestions have been made to shift the playground area more north in the park.
• Play features that were not liked on the proposed play structure include the circular monkey bars as it was seen as not allowing collaborative play, tri-spinner, stepping pods, and slides are not tall enough.
• Suggest that the play structure targets a wider age range of children like the existing structure as there are already other playgrounds in nearby parks that are for younger children.
• Children with disability in the area like to use small climbers.
• Suggest including a zipline and exercise bars in addition to all the favourite features of the existing play structure.
• Suggest a natural playground or natural elements with unique play opportunities. The existing pea stone has been a great play feature with the children in the area.
• Space between structures is important because there are a lot of children in the area.
• In terms of playground location, suggest locating it more north than currently proposed as most residents access the park at Helen Street and Carruthers Street (the northwest corner of the park).

Other comments:

• The seasonal drainage issue at the south end of the park is suggested to be prioritized as highly as a playground replacement. There are also water drainage issues in the park that were recommended the City consider.
• The proposed mid-block pathway connection was not preferred due to traffic and speed on Helen Street due to the perception that it is used as a shortcut to avoid traffic on Sir John A. MacDonald Blvd.
• Suggest linking Compton Park as part of an existing pedestrian connection to street sidewalks, in particular at the northwest park corner.
• Concern with water drainage issues at the south end of the park impacting other properties.
• Suggest more benches, bike racks, picnic tables, and shade.
• Keep as much green space and trees as possible.

Playground design options ranked during the public consultation

Option 1 included:

• Play structure two parallel slides, round monkey bars, floating stepping pods, panel games, wheel panel, tri-spinner, 2 climbing options, shop counter, and a platform transfer station
• A double-bay swing set with two belts, one toddler swing and one accessible swing

Option 1 Play StructureOption 1 Swing Set Option 2 included:

• Play structure with two parallel slides, large spinner, panel game, accessible cycler and three climbing options including a rock wall and platform transfer station
• A swing set with one belt swing, two toddler swings, one accessible swing

Option 2 Play Structure

Option 2 Swing Set

Playground Layout A:

A rectangular layout with a play structure to the west and swing set to the east. Straight 2m pathway between Helen St and south corner of tennis court. A bench on a concrete pad near a large tree across from the playground area.

Playground Layout B:

An overall layout with a play structure to the south and swing set to the north. An arched 2m pathway between Helen St. and the south corner of tennis court. A bench on a concrete pad across from the playground.