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The Town of Innisfil is excited to announce the start of construction on Margaretta Park, a new community space featuring Innisfil’s first fully inclusive playground. Community members are invited to join the groundbreaking ceremony on July 23 at 2 p.m. at 1110 Cole Street to celebrate this milestone.

“Margaretta Park holds a special place in the hearts of many in our community,” says Mayor Lynn Dollin. “It’s a promise that everyone, regardless of ability, has a place to play, connect, and feel welcome. 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 where no one is left out because of how they navigate the world.”

The idea for a universally accessible park took shape in collaboration with the Innisfil Accessibility Advisory Committee (IAAC). Since 2016, the Town has ensured all new or replaced playgrounds include equipment for children with different abilities, going beyond the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. However, additional equipment that is available for wheelchair users can be a challenge to include at every park due to site and budget constraints. Recognizing this, the IAAC proposed creating a single “Champion Park” that would provide full wheelchair accessibility and an enhanced inclusive experience for all park visitors.

In consultation with staff, the IAAC chose the largest park within the Sleeping Lion development to be the future site of Margaretta Park. Located north of 6th Line and east of 20th Sideroad, the Sleeping Lion development is one of the largest new developments in Innisfil and sits next to the future Orbit development. The new park will be 3.5 hectares, situated in the middle of the subdivision, and easily accessed from all surrounding roads.

Beyond the playground, the park will include a splash pad, washroom facility, parking, multi-use trails, shade structures, picnic areas, and open green spaces with naturalized plantings and trees. The playground itself will have rubberized surfacing and specialized equipment like the We-Go-Swing®, providing roll-on access for wheelchair users so children of all abilities can play together.

The park has been named Margaretta Park in recognition of Margaretta Papp-Belayneh, a former Chair of the IAAC, whose dedication to accessibility inspired this project.

The Town extends its thanks to the members of the IAAC for their ongoing commitment to removing barriers in Innisfil, and to the Innisfil Beach Cruisers Car Club for their generous $12,000 donation supporting this project.

Construction of the park is expected to be complete by summer 2026.

For more information, visit innisfil.ca/Margaretta.