Community Park Water Playground- Parksville

Community Park Water Playground in Parksville is right next to the playground in the large, pretty park in the middle of the city's waterfront. Just as eclectic as the playground, the water park has a weird combination of features, though not as diverse as the at the playground.
There are two ways in, past the huge lion drinking fountain, or at the far end, where you can enter normally, or through a tunnel.

There is not a lot to say about this water playground other than it looked a lot of fun and was mobbed by happy children. Mine didn't have their swim stuff with them but were so distracted by the playground that they didn't seem to mind. If you want to know more about the park or facilities check out the review for the sand-based playground next door but in brief, the whole place is pretty well catered for with washrooms, parking, a concession stand and a great view.

Inside the railed off water site there are a collection of older water features, things that spray, squirt and bubble away while you run around screaming. The most popular feature seemed to be a long low water slide, but if you're a thrill seeker you might find it a bit of a let-down. Let's face it, it's for kids!

You could easily spend a day down at Parksville Community Park and between the beach, the water park and the playground there's a lot to offer.

Community Park Playground- Parksville

We've never been to Parksville before but this weekend we managed to sneak away from Victoria and finally got a chance to check out some of the things that Parksville has to offer. I'm not going to wax lyrical about the beaches and fantastic family friendly places to stay or visit, instead I'm going to do what this blog is all about and talk playgrounds. Well, one in particular- the Parksville Community Park Playground, located right on the water in the centre of town.

This park offers an almost bewildering array of playground equipment and without spending an hour documenting everything with a clipboard and pen I can't possibly list it all. I will, however, give a good overview. If you're thinking of going here and wonder if there is something for your child, I'm pretty sure that there is, although because the playground is more old than new and on a sand base, it's not very accessible and would probably not be ideal for kids in wheelchairs. There are facilities such as washrooms, drinking fountain and a food concession, which I expect are seasonal.

Located in the community park, there are large grassy areas, picnic tables, shady places to sit and the whole park goes right out to the beach and the sea. We have reviewed a few parks with glorious views and this is one of them, although because the playground is set back somewhat it doesn't reap the full benefit of the location so take a few minutes to walk out to the water and take it all in.

The playground equipment is a combination of old and new and looks like they have added to it over the years. Alternatively, they might have gone to a used-playground-convention...if there is such a thing...and bought a surprise bag and then planted it all down in the one park. There are literally restored vintage pieces here. There are a bunch of old metal bouncy things with restoration plaques on them, there are old fashioned diggers, a funky old fashioned merry-go-round and an array of old school metal climbing frames. There are some really interesting pieces here but they almost get lost in the sheer numbers. Mind you, with the number of kids around, it's probably a good thing. Our kids favourite climbing frames were the helicopter and the airplane.



There are some small scale climbing structures for the toddlers, and then there are several bigger ones that would suit all ages, but especially big kids. There is a multi plastic tubed slide feature that seemed to be the most popular and there is also a huge long continuous play style structure on the far side away form the parking behind the zip slide. Because, of course, there's a zip slide there too. Oh, and did I mention the water park? This large long climbing frame is a really good one for kids who like to climb because it offers a number of different climbing options to get from one end to the other, starting with low ramps and ending with a weird sort of climbing web hanging basket that I saw a few kids attempt but everyone gave up, not quite sure how to approach it.

There is too much to review the water playground in here so follow the links for more about that. In fact, there's so much here that I will leave the photos to speak for themselves. This playground is not the most glamorous around but it's got a lot to offer, especially when you figure in all the facilities around.

Majestic Park Playground- Saanich

So we were cruising around today in an area that doesn't seem to have a huge number of playgrounds and just as I made some off-hand comment saying just that, we drove right by Majestic Park Playground. You can find the park on Majestic which can be accessed from Shelbourne or Ash in Saanich.

With parking places right along the road, Majestic Park is very well equipped for its size. There are washrooms, a tennis court, a baseball diamond and lots of picnic tables. There are some benches around too and whereas there is no shade actually at the playground, there are shady places nearby where you could set up camp under a tree.

On gravelly sand, the playground is well equipped though slightly older and worn. The main big kid structure is the type that you see all over Victoria, with metal bars and a bright curly plastic slide. There are lots of ways to climb up, an arched ladder, a normal ladder and tires, and the structure is made up of several climbing platforms. There are two slides, a double straight metal slide and a higher curly plastic one. In this part of the playground there are also an old school metal seesaw and a digging machine.

As well as this larger structure, there is also a double big-kid, double toddler swing set and then there is a smaller play area across the path. This is of a different style and has a low climbing structure with a ramp, a couple of climbing platforms, an activity feature and a toddler appropriate slide. This isn't however a structure that I could leave my toddler on by herself because the top platform- rather curiously- has an entire edge open, so no rest for toddler parents here!
There was also a climbing thing- not sure what it was meant to be- perhaps a big climbing worm, but my 3.5 year old son loved it- till he got stuck. No rest for bigger kid parents either!



All is all this is a good little place to stop. It's not the best playground ever but the package of everything at the park makes it an easy place to play. Oh, and it's got a bus stop right out the front by the parking for easy access.

Rudd Park Playground- Victoria

Rudd Park is one of those parks that you could drive past over and over and never really have any reason to stop- unless you play baseball, play soccer, have a dog, or of course, want to visit their playground. Located between Irma St and Whittier Ave, and Harriet Rd runs a long the far end.

The playground is an older construction with wooden beams, metal bars and plastic trim. There are two structures, one for small kids that features a ramp, low turret with two platforms, two activity walls a short plastic slide and two toddler swings.

The bigger kid structure features climbing platforms, two slides- a wide metal and a curly plastic, two big kids swings and a bunch of older-school metal climbing options. This is all on a base of sand that is sculpted out of an enormous grassy area. There are a couple of old fashioned digging machines and a seesaw.

There are washrooms and picnic tables and shade close by. Street parking is easy and there is a parking strip on Irma very close to the playground. This is not the most exciting of parks but has good solid facilities which are in good condition.

Fireman's Park Playground- Oak Bay- Victoria

Guest review by Helen

Fireman's Park is in Oak Bay and you can get into it from Monterey Avenue- where there is parking, or from Lulie Street on the other side. It's a small and neat little park with some courts, washrooms and lots of grass to play or walk your dog on.

The playground is situated next to Monterey Avenue and is an especially big hit with little boys, on account of the fire hall over the road. We often visit this playground and it's amazing how often that the firemen cruise their trucks down to the field, bring out their hoses and start doing watery stunts-all in the name of practice! They usually get a line of spectator moms who desperately try to keep their kids from joining in. There are lots of places to sit -on benches and picnic tables (some shade too) in case you want to bring along a picnic to eat during the fun.
The playground isn't half so exciting......but it's a decent come-down after the firemen go back to the station. There are woodchips on the floor, and there is one main climbing area with separate swings and a free-standing slide. As you can see in the photo, the climbing frame has big steps, a bendy slide and a lower set of twin slides. The swings are, as we often see on this site, two for little kids, two for big kids and the most exciting thing is definitely the nice high straight old-fashioned metal slide which reminds me of the slides when we were little only about half as high and not over sharp gravel! Did I say the most exciting thing was the slide? I did mention the firemen didn't I?

Portlock Park- Salt Spring Island

Portlock Park is located on Salt Spring's Vesuvius Bay Road just before the North End Road junction. The park offers playing fields for soccer (and other sports), tennis courts and swimming, and for those who can't get through the fifteen minute drive from Vesuvius Bay to Ganges without visiting a playground (us), there's a small one there.

Located right next to the car park Portlock Park Playground is small and a bit tired. It has a climbing tower...no, more like a small climbing turret with a curly slide, two bouncy things, a tire swing and the usual double big kid, double toddler swing combo. All of these are on tiny pebbles and there is also grass to play on and picnic tables. When the park is open there are washrooms.

There's not a lot to say about this playground. It's functional, has enough to keep any child occupied for a while and is in a location where I expect it gets used but never crowded. But then again, it doesn't match the playground in Ganges's Centennial Park for apparatus, views or liveliness.

Cook St and Hillside Park Playground- Victoria

At the corner of Cook and Hillside there is a ballpark and a really nice playground. I hate to always give the newer playgrounds great reviews but it's hard not to when the equipment is well thought-out, well designed and in great shape.

There are two climbing structures joined in a rough circle by a rope climbing arch on one side and a range of things to climb on or hang from on the other. The whole area is on woodchips. The first side is aimed at the littler kids and features steps, some climbing options and a small tower with a decent length metal slide. The big kid side has lots to climb up onto a higher tower from which there is an even more decent metal slide! It's interesting to note that on this particular type of playground, many of the climbing features are so casually built in that on first inspection the whole structure might appear not to offer as much as it actually does. There are holes or slats to use as climbing aids and handles that would have been added with much more flair in an older design.


The climbing-rope-arch that links the two structures is a real hit with all ages and kids can do very different things on it according to their capabilities; in 'A's case it's to run over, start climbing, slip through, get stuck and holler to be rescued.


There are two gorgeous, in fact maybe the nicest bouncy-things that we have seen and little kids seem to instantly gravitate over to these on arrival. There are also two big kid and two toddler swings slightly apart from the climbing structure.

There are washrooms in this park but they were not open when we visited so I am not sure if they are only open when the baseball field is being used. There are benches, grass and whereas parking on the main roads may be difficult, there is a parking strip to the rear of the baseball field on Higgins Street. Lovely little playground- definitely worth a visit.

Centennial Park Playground- Salt Spring Island

Centennial Park is located right at the waterfront in the centre of Ganges, the largest town on Salt Spring Island. The park is most famously known for it's Saturday market which draws visitors from far and wide. The playground is tucked in between the market and the water, and is surrounded by trees which provide great shade for parents to stand in on hot sunny days while they wait for their little ones.


On a pebble base, the playground features a climbing structure aimed at big and little kids that has various things to climb up and down, a curly plastic slide, a low double plastic slide and platforms of various levels. It was very busy when we visited and I had trouble getting good photos and even this one needed some doctoring (spray-painted faces) before I was willing to use it.

There are six swings: three big kid and three toddler and there are also a couple more interesting pieces of equipment there. Firstly I should say that it's always fun to find new playgrounds especially during a day trip away, but when we stumble across a 'treasure'....well it always makes my day. Both of the frilly items are old and completely took me back to my youth. Firstly there is a metal rocking horse bench which is peeling and looks like it belongs in a museum, and whereas 'A' didn't even notice it, I almost swooned because I didn't think there were any of these left in the world.



The second thing was another horse, this time a worn yellow metal bouncer which must have been one of the first bouncy things made. It's in a leaping position and it took me a while to figure out that this is a design like one of those bouncy horses on four springs that you'd have been more likely to see in someones home, not in a playground....or maybe on a carousel.



Anyway, this playground might be a bit past it's prime but it has it's charms and is in the lovely and bustling Centennial Park which has washrooms, a bandstand and is nicely landscaped with lots of grassy areas for football or picnics.

Parking is probably okay on less busy days but can be problematical on Saturday's in the summer when tourists, locals and day trippers alike vie for the precious spots.

Kinsman Beach Park Playground- Chemainus

Kinsman Beach Park Playground can be found on Chemainus's Esplanade and is worth a visit. It's tucked in a residential neighbourhood and the park is right on the water's edge which affords good views during swinging time.

The little playground, which is on small pebbles has some interesting equipment and we found it to be a breath of fresh air. For the sake of reviewing, there are 5 separate play areas. To start off there is the usual double big kid, double toddler swing combo and as said before, there were good views of the sea and some decent people-watching if you face the right way.

The second piece of equipment is a good old fashioned slide. It's straight steps up, metal slide down and although it was a bit high for 'A's 2.5 years, I tested it out....just to be able to comment, of course, and it was a good ride. Next there are 2 things- a segmented plastic tunnel and a climbing thing with stacked plastic curved pieces and bars at the top to hold on to.


Finally there is a climbing structure. It's a small wooden tower with stacking plastic pieces to climb up, a climbing wall style ramp to climb up, a tunnel and a small double plastic slide down.

The park is quite small and has washrooms, parking, picnic tables, grassy areas and lots of shade. Couple those things with the view and this playground is well worth a visit.

Pemberton Park Playground- Oak Bay

Pemberton Park is at Richardson and Gonzales in Oak Bay and you can find their playground on Richardson, opposite Lawndale Ave.

There is one main play area (on sand)with separate swings- the usual double big kid and double toddler combination and the toddler swings go nice and high, unlike some which have low top bars and short chains. If 'A' had had his way he would have stayed in the swing all day when we visited Pemberton Park. Whoever made this type of playground must have had a large contract with Greater Victoria City for a while because there are so many around that are almost interchangeable and this is no exception; the tower, the plastic curly slide and the wooden ramp. This one has a sweet little touch- a mini picnic table and benches built into the climbing tower and the friends that we visited this park with says that her daughter likes to have pretend tea parties in there.



Whether it's unique or not, I like finding playgrounds like this. There are good grassy areas around, benches, and surprisingly there are washrooms too. Parking was easy on Richardson and there are also lots of shady areas in case it's too sunny for you and your little ones.

Beacon Hill Park Playground- Victoria

Beacon Hill Park offers a fabulous collection of things to do and see including beautiful gardens, fountains, a performance stage, a petting zoo and about one million ducks. Right in the middle of the park, where Chestnut Row and Bridge Way meet there is a great playground. Now, it's worth mentioning here that I have avoided this playground until now because like Beckwith and Tulista and the Juan de Fuca Rotary, it is one of the city's favourites and I like to think that I'm on side with the underdogs- hence visiting Beacon Hill's other playground on Cook Street frequently. Well, our trip to Beacon Hill's central playground the other day proved that old theory that favourites are favourites for a good reason.

There are two main structures here- big kid and little kid, all on woodchips. The big kid side has a good assortment of things to climb up and down and a couple of towers linked by bridges. There are two slides; a short curved metal slide and a higher metal curly slide- both of which were almost too hot to ride when we were there- but we can only hope that that stays- right? There is a plastic fake rock wall at one end which 'A' loved climbing up.


The smaller kid side was really hard to photograph because of all the children, but it has two small linked towers and again two metal slides a short double one and a medium height metal one- both straight. There are a bunch of good bouncy things- a metal climbing frame car and two big kid swings/ two toddler swings. Plus.....there is a cement circle that has a water feature- this wasn't on when we were there but I will try to find out the times.

There are fabulous facilities there too: Picnic tables and a covered picnic table, washrooms, drinking fountain, parking nearby and there is even a creepy building behind the playground that might once have been the washrooms but is not all locked up.

Just to show that it is human- this playground is subject to the usual graffiti tags- but in true West Coast style, the tag scrawled on the back on the climbing frame car reads 'Honk for Hemp'.

Bright Angel Park Playground- Cowichan Vally

You can find Bright Angel Provincial Park on the Koksilah Road between Cobble Hill and Duncan. Drive as far as you can get into the park and you'll reach a parking area where there are picnic facilities, washrooms, a suspension bridge and oddly enough, a playground. It's a far cry from the playgrounds that we normally review......well.....for a start it's a far cry from anywhere. But there is a lovely quality about a forest clearing, shafts of sun leaking through the leafy ceiling, soft pad of packed dirt and woodchips under feet and the primal screaming of thirty teenagers playing on the equipment.

Sadly enough, I couldn't get good pictures of anything here except for the climbing frame above. The equipment is pretty old but I wouldn't expect anything else somewhere like here. There is a crazy set of old-school wooden and metal seesaws- four of them in a row joined together. There are six swings, two toddler and the rest big kid and a funny thing about the toddler swings is that they are hung so low that 'A' might of climbed in himself if he hadn't been clinging to us in fear of the teenagers. Because they are so low, they actually have the capacity to swing really high- that's if you don't mind bending down to push them.

There is also....drum roll...a roundabout- which I just found out is called a merry-go-round in Canada (I'm British originally) which sort of negates my entire naming of this site- but I guess it's far too late to change that now. The roundabout is an old metal thing and kept us entertained for a while watching the teenagers spin each other round faster and faster until someone flew off and limped off.

There is a lot to explore in Bright Angel Park and though the playground will never be famed for it's innovative and shiny equipment, I am sure any child would have a lot of fun here.

lambrick Park Playground- Gordon Head, Saanich

I've heard a fair bit about Lambrick Park in Gordon Head and how much people enjoy it so it was on our must-see list. I was a bit surprised when I drove up and this was it.

The Playground basically consists of a tall metal slide, a 'climbing car' and four swings- one toddler and three big kid. This is all on sand and underneath nice shady trees. Lambrick Park itself has a lot to offer, playing fields, courts, the Gordon Head Rec centre and of course the kind of facilities that go with it all.

I am of the philosophy that any playground is better than no playground but there are better ones around Victoria, even around Gordon Head, (such as Blair though no facilities and not a lot of shade and Sierra- again no facilities). The phrase 'fun is what you make it' pops into my mind when I see a playground like this because it may not be big and flashy but to some kids and probably some mums and dads, it's probably the best playground in the world.

Centennial Park Playground- Central Saanich

A while back we got a hot tip to review Centennial Municipal Park Playground in Central Saanich and the top-tipper said "The ghost town of playgrounds because there is never anyone there". Well, the top tipper was right. My photos are lousy because it was deserted and spooky and I was running to get away. Okay, so that's not strictly true.....there was no one there and then when we were leaving and about to take photos a bunch of children came screeching towards the equipment and I had to take a fast shot before they were all over it.

Anyway, it's one of the few playgrounds that we have visited that is completely surrounded by forest- which in hotter weather is great because it provides tons of shade. The playground is a small part of a large park just south of Saanichton which features lots to do including walking trails.

There are two main structures, on a bed of woodchips with a separate swing set that has two toddler and two big kid swings. The smaller climbing structure has a tallish tower with a metal slide which links to a smaller tower via a bridge (always a hit with 'A')with double metal slides and there are a reasonable number of climbing options. the bigger structure seems older and has a few things to climb up and a higher tube plastic tunnel (think static!). There are also some bouncy animals for those that like them.

This playground isn't overly impressive but the shady location and other facilities makes it a pretty attractive destination. There are lots of playing fields and courts around and the facilities right by the playground: drinking fountain, washrooms and a great covered picnic area are ideal.

Tulista Park Playground -Sidney

I am so happy to have moved to the new rating system (where you rate it using the 5 star system on the top of each posting) because I would be terrified to give Tulista Park Playground in Sidney anything less than...hummm....20/10. I have received over TWENTY top tips to go review this one and they have all been extremely enthusiastic and if I dared to give it less than top scores those tip emails might turn to hate mail!

So when we packed up the car and drove to Tulista Park I was filled with hype, expecting to see some towering sparkly construction that would make Beckwith Playground seem inadequate and I have to be frank here, I was disappointed. What I saw was a hodge-podge of climbing structures and playthings surrounded by a wire fence and plonked down in a stunning location right by the water. For some odd reason, I couldn't find a way in. We circled most of the way around the playground before entering through an awkward gate that required some creative moves with the stroller. After we were inside, I saw that there were at least three more gates in including one that was right by where we parked. So that was my first embarrassing mistake. The second was getting the stroller stuck in the pebble base and needing help to get it to some shade (thanks to my helper!). I'll tell you about the third later.

So whatever Tulista Park Playground lacks in wow factor, it makes up in for function. There are three climbing structures. The first is a large wooden, construction that includes lots of climbing options, a metal curly slide and two plastic tunnels, a full tube and a half tube. 'A' went on this one briefly but said it was for big boys. The second structure was a big hit with 'A' who spent the most time on there. It features little-kid-friendly climbing options, a curved plastic slide, a double bumpy plastic slide and a huge yellow tunnel. The third structure is actually an enormous Little Tikes plastic castle with slides. 'A' seemed to like this one at first but grew bored quickly so it's definitely a great toddler option. There is also a thing with no name, three tunnels to crawl in that meet in the middle- the sort of thing that the Tombliboos from the Night Garden might live in- but I couldn't get a photo as it was always occupied when we were there.



There are swings scattered around, two big kid and four toddler and there is a covered area with picnic tables adjoined to the playground. There are washrooms, somewhere to buy snacks and of course there is a lovely expanse of grass leading to the seawall, and the views are beautiful.


As we left I saw possibly the cutest car in the world parked next to mine and as I was checking it out I managed to crash the stroller over the car park curb which sent my purse flying and two mothers had to run to my help (thanks ladies!). After all my blunders I should have sworn never to return but as we drove off 'A' dictated that that wouldn't be the case in one simple statement. "That's my favourite park mummy".

Hollywood Park Playground

Hollywood Park is between Earle St and Fairfield Road and it's a nice little playground definitely worth a visit.

There are two parts to the playground which is on a sand base: big kid and smaller kid sides and there are grassy areas, picnic tables, washrooms and parking. The big kid side has a slightly older wood/metal & plastic structure with a choice of things to climb up and down though not tons compared to some of the newer playgrounds around Victoria. The curly plastic slide is a fast one and 'A's hair stood up on end when he got off it. I'd like to think that it was in sheer excitement but it was probably the static. There's a similarly static-inducing bumpy slide too, which 'A' refused a second trip down- take that as you will but perhaps it was something to do with the beetle languishing on the sand at the bottom.

The toddler side, which is built in the same wood/metal/plastic combination has a ramp, a platform area with some activities and a tower with a wide metal slide. 'A' stood lookout on the tower until a pre-school group barreled over and despite him frantically saying "Hi" to all the girls, he didn't succeed in making any new friends and was stubbed when one of the girls asked to hold my hand on the way down the slide. He informed me it was time to leave at that point and in my rush to obey I completely forgot to note how many swings there were. Oh the shame.

Centennial Park Playground - Langford

Okay, so I think that this playground is called Centennial Park but I'm open to negotiation about that! It's situated just off Goldstream Ave on Carlow Road and has plenty of parking right in front of the little park.

Spilt into three sections, there is a small side for toddlers, a bigger kid side and smack in the middle is a small water park. All three areas are on pebble beds.

The toddler side has a newer metal climbing structure with double plastic slides, lots of things to climb on, a couple of bouncy animals and a pudding basin. There is also one of the old school digger machines. This area is set down slightly from the nicely kept grass and is circled by a low wall, which 'A' took great delight in running around, ignoring the flashy climbing frame proving my theory that kids can see ways to have fun regardless of where they are or what's available.

The big kid side has a wooden structure with a variety of ways to climb up and a spiral slide down. 'A' tried very hard to keep up with his 4 year old friend on this side but in the end it was too big for him and when he did get to the top it required a bit if deft climbing from me to help him down the slide on my knee. Which I enjoyed of course. There is a beam on this side where there must have been a tire swing at some point but sadly it's gone now. Over the grass just past this side there are washroom blocks. There are also picnic tables dotted around and some trees if you need some shade.



The middle water playground part looks like the oldest part of the park and features a metal and wood fire truck climbing structure, a high metal slide that comes down the side of a hill and water spray nozzles dotted around. The water wasn't on when we were there but it looked like it would be fun.

Unless I am completely losing it....which is entirely possible seeing as I spend my days reviewing playgrounds, I don't think there are swings in this playground. Despite parts of the park being a bit old, everything looks like it's been well-kept and loved.

Playfair Park Playground

If you have never been to Playfair Park you should swing by (there you go dad...a pun just for you!) sometime because it's really pretty. I stumbled across this park about three years ago and although I don't go there very often it seems to pop into my mind frequently.

You can get to this small park from a number of directions but the official entrance and car park are accessible from Rock Street which runs off Quadra. It's one of the local places where they are running a Garry Oaks restoration project- if you had an older child who was into nature it could be fun to visit all of these. 'A' didn't care about the beautiful Oaks with shafts of sun seeping through onto the thousands on bluebells; oh no.....he was too busy tiptoeing through the grass on the lookout for evil beetles.

The playground is nestled into a corner where, surprisingly (small park)there is also a washroom block and a picnic table. On a bed of sand (you know how I feel about sand) the climbing structure is wooden and provides a number of ways for children to get up, and down, on one of the two plastic slides. There is a bright blue tunnel to scramble through which 'A' loved, and good old-fashioned tires to climb up, where he experienced his first accident since we started this project- a slip of the foot and he momentarily disappeared between the tires and the climbing frame. Thankfully, the SAND broke his fall (thanks sand!). Riding the bouncy deer ,which incidentally looks like it ran aground in the sand, consoled him and we quickly moved on to the swings- the usual double big kid, double toddler combination.

This is a lovely little park with a well-kept old school playground.

Rotary Water Park AKA Peter Pan - Oak Bay

Rotary Water Park is situated in Carnarvon Park, on Henderson Road in Oak Bay. We went there this morning after receiving a top tip from a Swings and Roundabouts contributor and according to 'A' it was a good time to go because there were no other people there.

It's a weird little playground in a busy park. Surrounded by playing fields and tennis courts, the water park is enclosed by wire fences and has an assortment of 'flooring' types; painted pool concrete (where the water flows), spongy floor mats, woodchips and grass. There are benches and picnic tables around for those not running through watery arches, over little wooden bridges or frolicking around one of the numerous jet sprays. The taps weren't turned on when we were there (Mid-May through June 11am-4pm, July through Sept 10am-6pm - weather permitting)which is good considering that we were fully clothed. With the taps off and the lack of people, the gaily coloured playground featured were almost spooky. However, 'A' was excited from the moment we stepped inside as he let out a little squeal as he rushed over to the train and started frantically trying to steer it away from the 'river' it was about to drive through!




The water park/playground is a bit dated and worn, and it obviously gets a lot of traffic through during sunny times. There are two little wooden bridges, a climbing frame structure and afore mentioned train. There is a little wooden house with metal stairs up and a metal slide down and 'A' was delighted to go up and down this several times before he noticed the zip-slide hiding in the back. The zip-slide is the longest I've seen in a play park this side of the Eighties! It's a bit rickety and I wouldn't advice adults to use it as you can see from the video. Sigh.


The park is a funny combination of separate little areas with separate features, none of which seemed to be constructed in the same era. There are three bouncy things in a woodchiped area, the house with the slides, a tire swing, the zip-slide and the usual double/double swing combination with two very worn toddler swings and two big kid swings. There are washrooms, picnic tables and parking and there are trees and shady areas.

As far as a challenging and exciting playground goes, I wouldn't score it too highly, but as far as an interesting and engaging water park, it's pretty good. 'A' liked it a lot and I had fun; fell off the zip-slide and got a plastic burn from the tunnel slide....however I can't help but think that the whole place could be improved by a bit of TLC.