By Tessa Swanton (Townson),
Bruce Peninsula Press
Municipal parks in the communities of Ferndale and Pike Bay debuted new and improved playground equipment during the last week of October. The structures are a strong upgrade from the previous playgrounds leading to rave reviews and excitement from community members.
Both playgrounds have similar design characteristics: “buddy buggy,” ramp, two slides, climbing bars or rocks, interactive toys, bongo drums, and a steering wheel. Coupled with the play structures are swing sets with two kids swings, a baby swing, and an accessible swing. The playgrounds support inclusivity with the ramps allowing wheelchair access into the buddy buggy.
The Pike Bay playground is located at Pike Bay Community Park (732 Pike Bay Road). The property features a large grassy area and access to Lake Huron waters. A sanded section is stocked with sand toys. Children can be found swimming in the shallow waters in the summer months, collecting shells, playing badminton or volleyball over the seasonal nets, and now playing on the new equipment. A portable washroom is available during the warmer months. Two local businesses are close by where you can enjoy snacks, food, or ice cream!
The Ferndale playground is at 2928 Highway 6, the same location as the Ferndale Information Centre and ball diamond, next door to the Eastnor Public Works Shed. A large pavilion is on site providing relief from the sun. Public washrooms are in the Ferndale Information Centre.
Playground inspections conducted in May 2023 by Canadian Playground Advisory Inc. revealed that the Ferndale and Pike Bay playgrounds “were found not to meet most of the current standards for public-use playground equipment intended for use by children aged 18 months to 12 years in terms of safety design and accessibility,” as noted in a report from the Parks and Facilities Manager.
In July 2025, the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula (MNBP,) Council approved the supply and installation of new playground equipment in Ferndale and Pike Bay by Henderson Recreation Equipment Limited totalling $175,916.28 + HST.
