Aviary Creek Playground is a state of the art, landmark playground in Aveley - one of many amazing playgrounds in the Ellenbrook area. It is hard to miss the 3 storey high waterwheel climbing structure and bright blue and yellow slides as you drive along Egerton Drive. The park and adjoining lake have been designed as a multi generational open space catering for all age groups.
Aviary Creek's structures and slides are suited to both older and younger kids. The older ones can choose the twisting slides, younger kids can take the shorter yellow slide and toddlers can enjoy the double slide. The swings are also suited to different age groups with a horizontal rope swing alongside the traditional and toddler swings.
The playground has a separate shaded nature play area for the little ones including logs and a sand/water play table. Once again there was a lone pair of shoes sitting at the side of the playground - a reminder to take the kids shoes off before they bury them during play!
Be aware the playground is built next to a natural creek and wetland area which is only partially fenced. There is also bridge access to the lake so keep an eye on the kids.
There are picnic shelters, barbecues and a book exchange.
As you cross the bridge there is a toilet block located to your right -across from the wetlands. Further to the right is another small playground and shelter off Aqualate Avenue and beyond the toilet block is a grassy area with football posts.
The adjoining lake and wetlands are subject to flooding so water levels will vary with the seasons. The smaller lake was quite moody looking with trees poking through algae covered water.
At the eastern edge of the lake cross over Hancock Avenue and explore the lake on the other side in Hollingworth Park. This larger lake has paved pathways winding around it leading to a horseshoe boardwalk. The path has distance measures every 50m so if you are a runner you can track your distance! As you skirt the lake's northern edge there is a bright landmark bird statue.
The loop walk around both parks is around 1km and will take 20 - 30 minutes. The paths are great for the kids to ride bikes or scooters but be aware of water access and the road crossing.
PARKING: The playground is on the corner of Egerton Drive and Powdermill Grange in Aveley and has limited streetside parking on Powdermill Grange. You can access the smaller playground from Aqualate Avenue which also has a small number of streetside parking bays. Parking bays are also available on Hollingworth Drive and Ladybower Vista. Looking at Google Maps it looks like future development will continue this string of lakes and parks providing an extensive green belt through the suburb.
