FAQs

Swings were added to both parks based on the feedback received during the public survey.  In order to be as inclusive as possible, three types of swings were included: accessible swing, bucket swing for toddlers and belt swing for children and youths.  Additional swings will be considered during the construction stage, if budget permits.

The playground was identified in the 2018 Parks, Recreation and Culture Strategic Master Plan which included an extensive public consultation component.  Further, the master plan identified that the maximum walking distance for playgrounds should be  500 metres and without this playground this standard would not be met for residents to the west and south of this park.  

The cost of a rubber surface is approximately four times the cost of a wood fibre surface.  And while the rubber surface is easier to access for those with mobility challenges, the engineered wood fibre is considered as an accessible surface by the Canadian Standards Association.  The wood fibre is also easier to maintain as it just requires topping up from time to time.  The rubber surface needs to be cut and patched as needed, at a considerably higher cost.  Staff do recommend a rubber surface for higher hierarchy Township parks such as Palmer Park and have applied for a Federal grant to install a rubber surface at this flagship park.  

In accordance with the Canadian Standards Association, the engineered wood fibre surface is determined to be accessible.  The concrete curb will be installed at ground level or with curb depressions to permit full access to the playground area.  In addition, the majority of the playground meets accessibility standards as either ground access or accessible by transfer.   Further, in determining accessibility, playground designers take into consideration many different challenges such as mobility, sight, hearing, etc. 

The draft design was also presented to the Scugog Accessibility Advisory Committee and the final design includes the suggestions made by the committee, such as wider bench pad areas for wheelchairs, adding accessible swings and adjusting the playground colours.

Unfortunately, a splashpad is beyond the available budget for this park with a typical cost of approximately $600,000.  However, a smaller water feature has been included in the Development Charges Study and is planned to be constructed in the new park to be constructed in the Delpark subdivision, adjacent to Herbert E. Bruce Park.  The water feature at the Delpark park was considered more appropriate as it is part of the Herbert E Bruce Community Park, which is meant to serve a larger area, whereas Cawkers Creek Park is a Neighbourhood Park.

The feedback from the public was mixed on a multi-court at the Cawkers Creek Park.  While the majority of respondents supported the court (59%), those that did not support the court (25%) felt strongly about not having a court for reasons such as noise and the proximity to residences.  The final decision was made by Council as there is a strong need for recreational facilities for youth in the Township.  To address the concerns about noise, the park design was modified to include additional privacy berms.  In addition, the Township receives very few noise complaints about other basketball courts but will address issues, should they arise.