Fairwinds Park

Project overview

Fairwinds Park in Mississauga, Ontario, was designed as a community playground with a nautical theme. The park features a variety of accessible structures and sculptures, creating open-ended opportunities for creative play for children of all ages and abilities. Located within a residential neighbourhood, it was also in close proximity to the condo developments surrounding Square One shopping centre.

The centerpiece of the playground was the HMCS Pinnacle, a ship that had run aground beside a sandy beach. Named in honour of Pinnacle International, a developer who contributed to the project’s creation, the ship was set at an angle, offering play opportunities that ranged from higher to lower challenges. Accessible nets and flexform elements near the ground-level, along with climbing holds on the ship’s exterior, encouraged children to explore and scale the ship’s hull.

A small beach hut with live-edge benches served as a gathering space for younger children. A puffin sculpture, chainsaw carved from white oak, and a breaching whale body added whimsy and uniqueness to the playscape. These sculptures were hand-stained to enhance their details and character. Small, climbable wave sculptures were placed next to the ship, allowing children to hide inside, climb atop, or slide down like surfers.

A lighthouse, perched on a nearby hill, offered two slides and additional climbing opportunities. Night-time LED lighting was installed to extend playtime after sunset, adding to the whimsy and charm of the experience.