Grand Avenue Park

Equipment by Landscape Structures, Earthscape, Kompan, TrekFit.

Surface: rubber.

Wedged between the Gardiner and the train tracks, Grand Avenue Park is a large, freshly updated (2025) playground that instantly became one of our favourites in Etobicoke. It’s not quite in the top tier of Toronto playgrounds, but there’s such a variety of play options – four manufacturers in one playground is pretty rare – and so much to do outside of the playground itself that any Danforth-based family can justify the trip to go take a look.

Let’s start with the main attraction: a large, crescent-shaped climbing boulder by TrekFit called “Summit.” You’ve probably seen TrekFit’s equipment before; they specialize in adult-oriented workout equipment and can be found all over the city. What’s slightly different at Grand Avenue Park is that the TrekFit stuff, most notably the boulder, is mixed in with the “regular” playground equipment, so that there’s no kids-over-here, adults-over-there delineation. I can see why some adults in search of a peaceful workout might dislike that, but I think it’s neat. And parents looking for a bit of exercise while the kids play would no doubt agree.

But back to that boulder: it’s awesome. It’s the only one I’ve ever seen, and I could almost hear my kids’ eyes widening when they caught sight of it. It’s big, and if your kids have never solo-climbed anything higher than your head it might feel a bit uncomfortable for you. But getting comfortable with that type of discomfort is so valuable to a young climber’s confidence. My own kid raced to the top in seconds before realizing that the big challenge was going to be climbing back down again. He spent a few moments looking a bit like a cat in a tree before finally figuring it out.

The other big piece of equipment is an Alpha Tower by Landscape Structures. These towers are great, with their multiple levels and steep slides. I’m seeing more and more of these now, including another recent rejuvenation at Terraview Park.

A small Earthscape climber and a sandbox should be enough for tiny climbers, and the splash pad – despite not having any raised elements – is a nice touch and provides relief on hot days.

Beyond the playground are more opportunities for fun: a large soccer field, a basketball court, and a long, winding running track that would make a great course for a new-but-confident little bike rider. A few picnic tables sit close to the playground and are shaded by some evergreens and a magnificent willow.

With parking on site and a bus stop across the street, this one’s got just about everything you could want. Put it on the summer to-do list!