Neshama Playground

Neshama Playground is an inclusive, accessible playground located at 201 Oriole Parkway in Toronto's Forest Hill neighborhood, within the larger Oriole Park complex. The name "Neshama" means "soul" in Hebrew, and the playground was designed with the specific goal of being fully accessible to children of all abilities.

What makes Neshama stand out from standard Toronto playgrounds is the inclusive design philosophy. Ramps replace stairs at key access points, sensory play elements are built into the equipment, and the layout ensures that children using wheelchairs or other mobility aids can participate in the same play experiences as everyone else. For families with children who have disabilities, this is one of the few playgrounds in Toronto designed from the ground up with accessibility as a core principle.

Even for families without accessibility needs, the inclusive design translates into play equipment that feels more creative and thoughtful than the standard City of Toronto playground. The sensory elements, musical instruments, and ground-level play features give toddlers and young children activities beyond the usual slide-and-swing combination.

The playground sits within Oriole Park, which provides surrounding green space, walking paths, and mature trees for shade. The park is in a quiet residential neighborhood, so noise and traffic aren't factors. Benches for parents are positioned with clear sightlines to the play areas.

Facilities are basic for a neighborhood park. There are no washrooms directly at the playground — the nearest facilities are at the Oriole Park building. Shade from mature trees covers portions of the playground but not all of it, so sunscreen is important on hot days.

The Forest Hill location means the surrounding neighborhood has upscale shops and cafes along Spadina Road and Eglinton Avenue West, but the park itself is a quiet residential escape. The closest TTC access is the Eglinton bus or a walk from the future Eglinton Crosstown LRT stations.