Yellowknifers take pride in being active and connected to one another.
From skating on frozen lakes in winter to walking, biking, and enjoying our trails and parks in summer, our shared spaces are central to daily life. They are where families gather, friends meet, and neighbours connect, keeping our community healthy, vibrant, and proud.
The recent Community Plan Update confirmed how much residents value public spaces that are:
- Vibrant, inclusive, and accessible year-round
- Safe and welcoming for all ages and abilities
- Connected to trails, green spaces, and natural areas
- Spaces that bring people together and reflect Yellowknife’s unique identity
These insights help guide the City as we plan recreation spaces that meet community needs today and into the future.
About the 2026 Park Development Projects
The City is planning two park development projects:
- Latham Island Playground Replacement – replacing the existing playground with new features for children and families
- Outdoor Recreational Space at the Pie-Shaped Area Between Hagel Drive and LeMay Drive – exploring development options
Because both projects are in the early stages, your ideas and preferences can help shape which features and considerations are included in the design process.
How We Are Engaging You
This engagement aligns with the IAP2 “Consult” level:
- We’re asking for your input on needs, preferences, and ideas
- Your feedback will inform the design considerations included in the Request for Proposals (RFP)
- Final designs will also consider safety, accessibility, budget, and site limitations
What We Want to Know
We’re asking residents to share:
- Who will use these spaces — children, teens, adults, or everyone
- Types of play, recreation, or social spaces you value most
- Accessibility, safety, and comfort considerations
- Ideas that reflect Yellowknife’s spirit — active, inclusive, and connected to the land
What We Heard
Latham Island Playground Replacement Project 2026
Engagement confirmed residents value spaces that support regular use, family activities, and community connection.
Residents want to see:
1. Core playground equipment, including swings, slides, and climbing structures.
2. Amenities like picnic tables, benches, and shaded seating areas.
3. In addition to vegetation, trees, and dynamic landscaping, to beautify the area.
4. More accessible and inclusive design features, as well as pathways throughout the site
5. The desire for a better reflection of local identity, through art, sculptures, and landmarks.
View the full engagement report here.
Hagel Outdoor Recreational Space Development Project 2026
Engagement confirmed residents value accessibility, site character, safety, and community elements for this outdoor recreational space.
Residents want to see:
- A space primarily accessible on foot or by bike, in addition to wheelchairs and strollers
- Clean, paved paths and/or sidewalks
- A focus on a green environment, including trees and landscaping
- Multi-use design, ensuring youth and adults have functional areas for recreation alongside play structures
- A desire for more visibility to keep residents and park-goers safe and to prevent vandalism
- More Indigenous representation, storytelling and local art as part to the design
View the full engagement report here.
What Happens Next
The initial feedback collected through this survey will inform the public of the development of design options for the Latham Island Playground.
The City will be issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) to engage a consultant to lead the playground design.
During the review process, community input will be considered alongside technical requirements, site conditions, and budget.
Updates on the project will be shared on the City’s website.
Timelines
- Engagement is happening from March 2-13, 2026
- Feedback will be included in the March RFP
- Construction will take place in Spring/Summer 2026 (weather dependent)
Help shape playgrounds and recreation spaces that reflect what makes Yellowknife special: active, vibrant, and inclusive for everyone.