Adelaide’s best playgrounds – as voted by you

Whether you’re a kid – or a kid at heart – there’s nothing like running amok at your local playground. But which ones are Adelaide’s best?

Christian, 4, Isaiah, 4, Brooklyn, 9mnths, and mum Alexandra Yin on the swing at the Jervois St Playground. Picture: AAP/Roy VanDerVegt

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Whether you’re a kid – or kid at heart – there’s nothing like running amok at your local playground.

But which one is Adelaide’s best?

We put the call out, and almost 800 of you voted for your favourite playgrounds during polling.

Jervois Street Reserve’s playground at South Plympton made the top five in the south.

Alexandra Yin regularly takes her daughter Brooklyn, 9 months, and nephews Christian and Isaiah, both 4, to the Jervois Street playground and says it is no surprise it was voted the best.

“There are so many beautiful playgrounds around Adelaide but this one is spacious and one for kids of all ages,” Mrs Yin, 29, says.

“Brooklyn particularly loves the sand and water area.”

Architect Peter Semple designed the playspace and says its diversity of elements is what sets it apart from more traditional playgrounds.

“It’s gone beyond what we would call ‘gross motor play’ with climbing, swings and slides,” he says.

“There’s creative play with water and sand and we’ve created inclusive play experiences with things for everyone, no matter your abilities.”

He is currently working on major playground project for the City of Onkaparinga’s Wilfred Taylor Reserve.

“It’s going to be the biggest playground in the southern suburbs, and hopefully it’ll be open by March next year,” he says.

The Adelaide’s Best Playgrounds poll was part of The Messenger monthly poll series, where we recognise local businesses and enterprises excelling in their fields.

ADELAIDE’S BEST PLAYGROUNDS:

CITY & NORTH ADELAIDE

1. Marshmallow Park and Oxbow playspace

Pelzer Park, Glen Osmond Rd

Upgraded in 2018, this fully-fenced playspace caters for all ages with its traditional equipment like swings and slides. Let the kids explore in the interactive water play area and wooden climbing frames. Head over the fence to the tennis court and half basketball court. While in the Oxbow area, there is boulder island and stepping stones.

2. Bonython playspace

Bonython Park, off Port Rd near Adelaide Gaol

Catering for all ages, families will be able to spend hours here letting the kids roam free in the spider web climbing net, a double flying fox, water play area, sand pit, hamster wheel, merry-go-round plus swings and slides. There’s also lots of grass for a run around and barbecues if you want to bring along some food.

3. Princess Elizabeth playground

Veale Park, off South Tce near West Tce

Is your little one a climber? There is plenty to explore on the two tower climbing net. When they’ve had enough of climbing, there’s plenty of opportunity to jump and bounce with four mini trampolines. Plus burn some energy on the medieval inspired tower, spinning seesaw, swings and slides.

4. Bush Magic playground

Denise Norton Park, cnr Jeffcott Rd and Fitzroy Tce

Step outside the Adelaide Aquatic Centre and find some fun play equipment, best suited for kids under five. There is a playground maze, sandpit, flying fox and seesaw swing plus some shelter for mums and dads but no shade sails over the park. There’s toilets, barbecues, it’s fully fenced and you can grab a coffee and snacks from the Aquatic Centre adjacent to the park.

5. It’s a tie for 5th!

Rymill Park playspace

Rymill Park, off Rundle Rd eastern side of lake

Situated among lots of trees and a lake, mums and dads can relax while the kids run around on the rope monkey bars, spinning net and small climbing wall. There is also small and big swings, slides and a sandpit. Note, this playspace is not fenced. What’s even more exciting is the State Government has announced it will spend $1 million to build an inclusive playspace to commemorate the legacy of disability advocate Quentin Kenihan. This will be integrated into the park with work expected to start in 2020.

Glover Playground (also known as Helicopter Park)

Lefevre Park, intersection of Tynte St and Lefevre Tce, North Adelaide (tie)

An all-time favourite for families, Helicopter Park has its name for obvious reasons – there’s a helicopter right in the middle which little ones love. And right next to it, a big sandpit with a ride-on digger. Explore the climbing frames, as well as bouncy ride-ons, swings and slides and the kids can’t wander far because it’s all fenced off. There’s toilets, barbecues, picnic tables and shade.

NORTH

1. St Kilda Adventure Playground

470 St Kilda Rd, St Kilda

Since its $3.5 million upgrade in 2016, St Kilda Adventure Playground has re-established itself as a popular playground in the North. Giant flying foxes, a metal castle complete with slides, bouncy climbing structure and the iconic shipwreck make this playground a must-visit for any South Australian family.

2. Goldenfields Reserve Playground

Atlantis Drive, Golden Grove

Goldenfields Reserve not only boast three playground areas with shade to suit all ages but also a gravel BMX track and skate park for the thrillseekers in the family. This grassy reserve also has picnic and barbecue facilities giving it that perfect balance of fun and relaxation for the family.

3. Thorndon Park

Hamilton Tce, Paradise

Set alongside the stunning Thorndon Park Reservoir, this shaded playspace is perfect for toddlers and younger children. A spinning swing set gives a fun twist to an old favourite while the wheelchair-accessible swing means the playground has something for everyone.

4. Playford Alive Town Park

Corner Peachey and Parkway roads, Munno Para

While its nature inspired playgrounds and massive climbing structure are impressive, it’s the water play area which sets Playford Alive Town Park apart. This massive playground also boasts a skate park, basketball court and open grassy reserve. There’s Wi-Fi, toilets, bike racks and lights. Plus there’s barbecue facilities and even a contemplative garden for finding your Zen.

5. George Whittle Reserve

56 Churchill Rd, Prospect (tie)

The newly redeveloped George Whittle Reserve reopened in August with a brand new skate park, hard surface court and playground. The new playground combines the traditional play favourites of a tower slide and swing with nature-play inspired tree trunks for climbing.

5. Klemzig Recreation Reserve – cnr O.G. and North East roads, Klemzig (tie)

A 2014 major redevelopment saw Klemzig Recreation Reserve transform into an impressive playspace suitable for all areas. The shaded playground features a wide range of climbing equipment to keep the older kids happy as well as a smaller playground and double flying fox for the younger family members.

EAST/INNER SOUTH/ HILLS

1. Morialta Nature Playground

Morialta Conservation Park, off Stradbroke Rd, Woodforde

When this playground opened it was so popular the State Government had to order in buses and extra carparking. It proved parents and kids were looking for a nature play experience in Adelaide. This park features five nature-inspired spaces, each with its own fun name – frog island, the great snake, kookaburra’s nest, the boulders and the eagles’ perch – and each with its own difficulties and challenges. There’s the bubbling creek and giant trees, sticks and climbing boulders. It isn’t fenced or rubberised but that’s the point, says co-designer Pete Semple.

“The objective of this playspace is to provide a very rare experience today of allowing children to roam and explore independent within their capabilities; to find real adventure,” Mr Semple says.

There’s barbecues, shade, toilets and a cafe that is open during the warmer months for coffee, snacks and ice-cream.

Mukanthi Nature Playspace at Morialta. Picture: Peter Semple Landscape Architects (PSLA)

2. Heywood Park Playground and Mini Ninja Course

Addiscombe Pl, Unley Park

It only opened in September but it’s already proving a huge hit with Adelaide’s mini ninja warriors in training. Local resident Rebecca and her two daughters Ella and Halle came up with the idea for a ninja playground and through the State Government’s Fund My Neighbourhood, an initiative supported by The Messenger, the playground was built. It’s aimed at ‘tweens’, not toddlers. The ninja course sits next to the original playground, plus there’s barbecues, picnic tables, toilets and loads of shade from the big trees.

3. Treetop Blackwood Park

Corner Blackwood Park Blvd and Champion Way, Craigburn Farm

This little gem opened in August of 2018 and is a great way for kids to get up among the tree tops with the big red rope bridge. There’s lots of climbing structures and a super fun tube slide and climbing nest. This park is especially fun for kids 4-8, but there is sandpit and other equipment for toddlers as well. Be aware though, there’s no toilets.

4. Tusmore Park

Stirling St, Tusmore

This place is a true eastern suburbs gem. And the star of this spot is the wading pool, which is now open for the Spring-Summer season and is always a hit with young kids. It’s 300mm deep with shade cloth over the top – a great spot to cool off in the warmer months.

There’s tennis courts, barbecues, picnic spots, toilets and loads of green space.

The playground here is small but packs a lot of punch with mound, climbing structure and the more traditional swing, slides and sandpits. And then there’s the gorgeous creek which winds its way through the park – great for a little nature play!

5. Hazelwood Park – Wombat Waterhole

Howard Tce, Hazelwood Park

Set is the corner of a huge reserve, this playground is big and fun with plenty to offer all ages. There’s Multiple Slides down from the large purpose built hill with softfall surface and steps, spinners, swings, sound pipes, sandpit with dinosaur bones, balance beams, climbing net, dual flying fox, liberty swing and an old tractor to climb on. There’s also barbecues, covered picnic areas, drink fountain, loads of green space and a short stroll to toilets. The Burnside Pool is just next door and there’s the creek that flows through the park – including a pond that’s home to lots of ducks.

SOUTH

1. Jubilee Adventure Park

Saltfleet St, Port Noarlunga

Little adventurers will be in for a treat at this park, built in 2002 with funds raised by the community. It is constructed as a wooden, fort-style castle complete with monkey bars, swings, steps and ladders, plus a wooden ship for your mini pirates. There are all the essentials for adults too, including picnic areas and barbecue facilities.

2. Jervois Street Reserve

Jervois St, South Plympton

In August 2016, South Plympton residents welcomed the area’s latest playspace designed for children ages 12 months to 12 years. For the little ones, a fully-fenced sandpit complete with waterplay and a bucket and pulley is located under a butterfly shade. There are also tunnels, slides, swings, balance beams and log steps to keep them active. Meanwhile, the senior playground has a flying fox for the daredevils, a wooden climbing frame and a tyre swing.

3. Bandon Reserve

38 Bandon Tce, Marino

This open playground has just been upgraded and has a nautical theme with a wooden jetty that leads to an ‘abandoned’ pirate ship, surrounded by sand and rocks. There are also swings, a climbing net, basketball and netball courts and refurbished cricket nets. With stunning ocean views and plenty of shaded areas, Bandon Reserve is one for the whole family.

4. Angus Neill Reserve

Esplanade, Seacliff

If it is energy your little ones need to burn, look no further than Angus Neill Reserve. Bright blue climbing logs, nets, swings, waterplay, a sandpit and secret cave are just some of the offerings, while the adults can sit back and relax under the shaded areas. While you’re there, fire up one of the barbecues and have a seaside lunch in the picnic area.

5. Willunga Rose Garden Nature Playspace

Aldinga Road, Willunga

This $150,000 nature play area was part of the Onkaparinga Council’s Fund My Neighbourhood project. There are loads of things to keep the kids entertained including stepping stones, a wobbly bridge, a xylophone and two tipi-style tents. Whether its imaginative play, quiet time or some daring rope challenges, your little one will be spoiled for choice.

WEST

1. Yep, there was a tie for first!

Roy Marten Park

Military Rd, Taperoo

A $6.4 million overhaul of this park was unveiled in August last year. Situated next to the Fort Largs Police Academy, it includes an adventure playground, outdoor gym, barbecues, lots of grassed open space, a tennis court, toilets, shaded picnic area and a car park with plenty of spaces close by. It has something for every age group, including equipment for toddlers under a shade sail and a baby swing. A tower with an enclosed net bridge, climbing nets and a big metal curly slide will entertain the older children for hours. Even the dogs are taken care of, with two enclosed dog parks at the site.

Glenelg Foreshore Playground

Moseley Square, Glenelg

This $1.3 million playground on the foreshore at Glenelg, between the town hall and the jetty, was opened in 2016. It includes an extra-wide slippery dip, in-ground trampolines, a hammock swing, a sandpit with water activities and a cubby. And the best part, parents can enjoy a coffee at Boomers on the Beach opposite the playground while their children play.

2. Semaphore Foreshore

The Esplanade, Semaphore

A visit to Semaphore isn’t complete without a stop at the foreshore playground. Located near bustly Semaphore Rd, this play area is shaded and fully fenced, giving peace of mind to parents. It includes a flying fox, slides, swings tunnels and climbing equipment. There is a kiosk immediately next door for coffee, food and ice cream and toilets close by. And if you want to make a day of it, nearby there is the Fort Glanville Tourist Railway, the Semaphore Carousel and the Semaphore Waterslide Complex to enjoy.

3. Another tied vote for third spot!

Point Malcolm Reserve

343 Military Road, Semaphore Park

This coast-themed playground has something for children of all ages. Opened two years ago, the $1.2 million play area has a huge flying fox, nature play areas for younger children, climbing equipment, giant slide, swings and mini in-ground trampolines. There is lots of grassed space, easy parking and barbecues and shaded seating areas, making it the perfect park to host a children’s birthday party. Basketball and tennis courts are located nearby and there is exercise equipment for those wanting to get fit while their children play. Next door is the Semaphore Surf Life Saving Club which has toilets, and is the perfect spot to enjoy a cool drink after a session at the playground.

Weigall Oval Playspace

Urrbrae Tce, Plympton

The nature play space at Weigall Oval encourages children to dig deep into their imaginations. The first stage of a $7 million overhaul at the oval was opened in September last year, and features junior and senior nature play areas, a bike track, four tennis courts for public use. There is also water play equipment, rocks and balancing logs, slides, swings and a flying fox and work out equipment for adults and grassed areas to enjoy a picnic.

4. Hart’s Mill Playspace

Mundy St, Port Adelaide

This park opened in 2014 with the design drawing from the industrial heritage of the site. It’s bright and fun. There’s the hamster wheel, flying fox, 7.5m tall Dalben tower with slippery dip swings, spinning wheel and interactive sand station pit. There’s barbecues and toilets. And why not try to spot a Port River dolphin while you’re there!

Hart’s Mill Playground. Picture: Sam Wundke.

5. MJ McInerney Reserve

Sackville St, West Croydon

So many slides – big, small, tunnel slides – flying foxes, interactive sandpit, swings, climbing nets, new toilets, tennis court and loads of logs and big rocks. It’s a hit for all ages and just a short stroll to cafes. There’s sheltered picnic tables, water fountains and barbecues too.