New playground open!

October 2, 2026

The new playground at Blair Park is open and ready for play. Based on engagement from spring 2024, the design features Robinia nature play equipment with a thrilling cliff rider structure for ages 5-12 where the courageous can ride up high from platform to another.

An imaginative play tractor for ages 2-5 and a strawberry spring toy are a nod to the historical agriculture use of the Gordon Head area. Two accessible hillside slides with gravel pathways are located on the large mound that will feature biodiversity and sensory gardens with exploratory routes of stepping stones or stone stairs. 

The existing spinner has remained, and the 2-bay swing set is upgraded with an accessible swing seat. An accessible concrete ramp into the playground provides access with improved engineered wood fibre surfacing. 

Plantings and further landscaping work are to follow shortly – please stay on the paths provided and leave the dirt for the future gardens to be planted shorlty. The fenced in restoration area underneath the two large Garry oak trees will be completed this fall along with 33 new trees to be planted in the park.

Background

Saanich Parks is planning to replace the playground in Blair Park. The play equipment was installed in 2005 and has been identified as a priority upgrade based on our playground criteria. The criteria assessments include age, condition, safety/design, accessibility, drainage and location.

Engagement

Spring engagement from our online Hello Saanich questionnaire helped inform the type of playground residents would like to see at Blair Park. Thank you to everyone who took the time to provide feedback.