NAK Design Strategies is thrilled to share that construction has officially begun on Margaretta Park, marking a major milestone: Innisfil’s first fully accessible playground designed to remove barriers and welcome everyone.
On the left, three NAK Design Strategies team members stand in front of a grey shipping container with a NAK banner. They are smiling and holding shovels, ready to dig.
On the right, nine members of the Innisfil Accessibility Advisory Committee (IAAC) pose together in front of another container with the town’s “Innisfil” logo banner. The group includes two individuals using wheelchairs, and several others wearing blue shirts and hard hats. One person holds an umbrella for shade, and others hold shovels, celebrating the start of construction.
Project Background & Timeline
- Groundbreaking was held on July 23, 2025 at 2 p.m. at 1110 Cole Street within the Sleeping Lion development.
- Construction is underway and is expected to wrap up by summer 2026.
Park Location & Features
- Located within the Sleeping Lion development, one of Innisfil’s largest new communities, Margaretta Park spans 3.5 hectares and sits centrally, accessible from all surrounding roads.
- The name honors Margaretta Papp‑Belayneh, former Chair of the IAAC, whose advocacy inspired the project. (Innisfil.ca)
Planned amenities include:
- A rubberized, roll‑on playground surface featuring elements like the We‑Go‑Swing® to support wheelchair users
- A splash pad, washroom facility, parking, and multi‑use trails
- Shade structures, picnic seating, naturalized plantings, and open green space
Why This Park Matters
The idea emerged through collaboration with the Innisfil Accessibility Advisory Committee (IAAC). Since 2016, the town has prioritized inclusive playground equipment that exceeds the standards of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). However, not all parks could accommodate wheelchair‑accessible features due to budget or site limitations. To address this, the IAAC proposed a “Champion Park” where full wheelchair access would be prioritized – alongside features that foster inclusive play for individuals of varying abilities. (Innisfil.ca)
This park sets a new standard for accessibility in the region and reflects Innisfil’s leadership in inclusive public space design.
On the left, a close-up shot of a commemorative certificate issued by MPP Andrea Khanjin, celebrating the groundbreaking of Innisfil’s first fully inclusive playground, Margaretta Park, named in recognition of Margaretta Peppé-Belanger.
On the right, nine members of the Innisfil Accessibility Advisory Committee (IAAC), seen from behind, stand in front of a grey shipping container with their arms around each other. They wear matching blue shirts reading “IAAC Breaking Down Barriers Awareness Day” and white construction helmets. One person in a wheelchair sits in front, smiling and holding a shovel.
Voices from the Groundbreaking
Mayor Lynn Dollin captured the spirit of the project:
“Margaretta Park holds a special place in the hearts of many in our community… as we get ready to put shovels in the ground, we’re building not just a park, but a shared vision of inclusion and belonging.”(innisfil.ca)
🌱 Reflection & Looking Ahead
Margaretta Park is more than infrastructure—it’s a symbol of inclusive values made tangible. For landscape and urban design professionals, projects like this model showcase how purposeful collaboration and leadership lead to spaces that truly serve everyone.
NAK is proud to have contributed to this project with our services and are committed to inclusion, accessibility, and meaningful community impact.
More Information About Margaretta Park
https://innisfil.ca/en/building-and-development/margaretta-park.aspx
https://innisfil.ca/en/news/town-of-innisfil-to-break-ground-on-fully-inclusive-margaretta-park.aspx