The Municipality of Kincardine is reminding residents that they can help shape the future of MacPherson Park at an upcoming community meeting. It's a key step in planning for a major playground redevelopment aimed at creating a fully inclusive waterfront destination.
The project will transform the existing park into a modern, accessible play space designed for children and families of all abilities. Backed by a combination of Municipal funding and support from Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, the rebuilt playground is expected to open in 2026 and is intended to meet current accessibility standards while standing up to long-term use in a high-traffic lakeside setting.
As part of the early design process, the Municipality is hosting a public engagement session on Monday, January 12, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m. The drop-in event will take place at the Davidson Centre in the Bruce Telecom Room and is open to residents of all ages.
Attendees will be able to share their thoughts through interactive tools such as discussion boards and dot-voting, often referred to as dotmocracy. Concept images will also be on display to help spark discussion about different styles of play and the types of features that could be incorporated. Municipal staff note the visuals are meant to support conversation and idea-sharing, rather than represent final design decisions.
Families are encouraged to attend, and children are especially welcome, including those who regularly use MacPherson Park or rely on accessible playground features.
“This is an opportunity for the community to help shape the vision for a flagship recreation space,” said Luke Bedard, Director of Community Services. “The feedback we gather will guide playground designers as they develop concept options for future review, including consultation with accessibility partners and schools.”
During the session, participants will be asked to weigh in on broad design directions, such as whether the playground should feature a long, fully ramped structure, a taller design that takes advantage of elevated views of the lake, or a more compact layout that offers a wider mix of elements like climbers and swings. Municipal officials stress this initial engagement is focused on overall concepts rather than specific equipment choices.
Further updates and additional opportunities for public input will be shared as the project moves forward. More information about the MacPherson Park redevelopment is available on the Municipality of Kincardine’s website.
