Another difficult decision to choose just 5 of the many wonderful playgrounds we visited this year. In the end we have chosen playgrounds that made us say WOW when we visited.
1. Koolangka Koolangka Waabiny - Moort ak Waadiny - Wellington Square East Perth
Wellington Square in East Perth has been completely redeveloped into a beautiful family friendly parkland. The massive Koolangka Koolangka Waabiny Playground is an absolutely amazing intergenerational play space. Meaning Children Children’s playground in Whadjuk Nyoongar, the area features nature play, a skate park, parkour activities, a flying fox, embankment slides, a pump track, waterplay and climbing towers, as well as basketball courts. The design is influenced by Aboriginal themes and Western Australian iconic landforms. The park also features multi use sporting fields, off-leash dog park, new footpaths and shaded picnic areas for relaxation. Lighting and CCTV ensure the safety of the park into the evening. Wellington Square represents cultural and spiritual significance, linking the past and the present, where Whadjuk Nyoongar people met, raised families, hunted and performed ceremonies. In the north western corner you will find a place of reflection to commemorate the Stolen Generations. There are toilets, barbecues and picnic tables at the park. Streetside parking is available around the park, you can get there by yellow CAT bus or it is a 10 minutes walk from Claisebrook Station.
2. Volcano Park and adjacent Faulkner Park - Belmont
We finally ticked off one of Perth's BIG playgrounds and it is unique!
The volcano dominates this fully fenced play space and you can climb the spiral path to the top where every 15-20 minutes steam rises from the volcano! There is a huge tree house climbing structure with a tunnel slide for the older kids. A broken pirate ship next to the tree house allows younger children to use their imaginations with the help of a turtle family and some not so friendly ocean creatures! A fabulous toddler play space is separated from the main play area by some hedging and caters for really little ones as well as older toddlers. There is a water and sand play area next to the volcano and a further shaded sandpit area on the other side.
The kids can ride the flying fox or explore the jungle style gardens full of totems and water spouts which might take you by surprise as you wander through so be prepared with a change of clothes.
The playground is fully fenced with picnic benches, grassy areas and barbecues. Although it is landscaped it is not shaded and can get very hot in summer. Toilets are located nearby at the Belmont Oasis Leisure Centre of at Belmont Forum Shopping centre. There is quite a lot of parking but this is shared with the Leisure Centre and adjacent Faulkner Park which is a beautiful space in it's own right so if you are heading to the Volcano Playground for a play make some time to wander around Faulkner Park as well.
Faulkner Park starts north of Belmont Forum which is home to some lovely artworks along Wright Street. Progress Way then winds through the park passing the Spirit of Community Sculpture, the stunning Senior Citizens Centre building and Ruth Faulkner Library. Walking paths wind along either side of Progress Way and meander past beautiful landscaped gardens and ornamental lakes. The central section of the park has large manicured lawns, quirky colourful sculptures, a massive gazebo and a lovely war memorial. Across the bridge are more landscaped gardens surrounding the two larger lakes as you head towards the Belmont Oasis Leisure Centre.
3. Rayment Park - Lathlain
Rayment Park in Lathlain is a lovely space which caters for all age groups by combining nature play, a flying fox and rope climbing equipment, a fenced traditional playground, half basketball court, outdoor ping pong table and grassed area. There is a lovely "road" which winds through the park complete with traffic signs. There are barbecues and picnic benches and a public toilet. Just over the road are Kettle Cafe and Laika for a caffeine hit. There are some lovely murals in the area and another smaller play space and a skate park off McCartney Crescent. This area immediately abuts Lathlain Park (AFL fixtures) and the Mineral Resources Park where the West Coast Eagles train so it can potentially get busy. Parking is available in streetside bays.
4. Shipwreck Park - Hilbert
Shipwreck Park in Hilbert spans 6.6 hectares and features kick about ovals, BBQ facilities and a dog park but it's most outstanding feature is the 30-metre ship wreck structure which underpins the fully fenced, inclusive, all abilities Play Space designed in consultation with the Touched by Olivia Foundation. The ship has run aground among the rocks, spilling its cargo and creating a raft of opportunities for the kids to fire up their imagination climbing ropes and ladders, scooting down slides, crossing walkways or riding up and down on the "elevators". The ship design features decks at different levels, a helm, communication pipes and a host of other hidden features. You will end up playing a game of hide and seek as it is impossible to keep eyes on the kids as they move in and out and around the ship! The playground has a dedicated toddler area, sand and water play, sensory and musical play, inground trampolines, swings and a flying fox. Outside the fenced playground is a large court area including ping pong tables, fitness equipment and bike and scooter paths. There is ample parking, picnic shelters and barbecues, toilet facilities and the Mooba Cafe.
5. Monsters World - The Rivergums Adventure Park- Baldivis
Taking it's name from the massive monster footprints and two Monsters Nest climbing towers joined by a rope tunnel bridge this park will fire up the kid's imagination. The park runs through a stand of mature trees which provide both shade and atmosphere. he few trees that had to be cut down to make way for the playground have found a second life within the play space as upside down trees. There are lots of nature play elements, a dry creek, a stage platform, a 6m high slide, musical play and a bird's nest swing. This park is spread out so you will have to move around as the kids explore. There are paths winding their way through the park and scattered benches or logs to rest on but there are no barbecues and no toilets. Parking is available in street side bays.
I love the bush setting of this playground!
To read more blogs go to:
In the spirit of reconciliation Out and About- Family Nature Connection acknowledges the traditional owners of the Wadjak boodjar (Perth land) and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and emerging and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.