Old Racecourse Transformed Into New Kids Playground At Harold Park
- Family
We are hot to trot about this new playground! Harold Park in the inner west suburb of Forest Lodge used to be a paceway but has recently developed into a brand new parkland, playground and picnic area.
Grab yourself a coffee from the Tramsheds next door and let the kids run free in the massive 3.8-hectare park with custom-built playground, shaded barbecues, tables, and cycling and walking paths.
We recently checked it out and the kids gave it the big WOW seal of approval. They loved the huge slides which look like they're coming out of a "space ship", although I would say it looks more "cruise ship". I love that inside the cruise spaceship there is a challenging ropes course to get to the 'big' slide, making the play more meaningful and rewarding for little climbers.
Easy Being Green
The City of Sydney Council has planted a wildlife corridor and created tree canopies to encourage more birds, lizards, bees and other insects to call Harold Park home. Those walking and riding bikes can enjoy new paths that improve access from local neighbourhoods to the harbour foreshore parks in Glebe. The new Tramshed Garden features native plants and you can drop by the 3 metre long edible garden located in Artisan Lane.
What About The Playground?
The custom-built playground includes slides, swings and a timber climbing-stack for children to explore, and sand play, balancing beams and teepee looking cubby houses for imaginative play!
There's also LOTS of seating around the playground and undercover seating around the BBQs so you can make a day of it. The playground itself, which is adjancent to a huge rock wall, could do with some more shade as the metal slides were rather hot on this Spring day, I hate to think how ouchy it will be in Summer.
The park’s design incorporates elements from the local environment and the area’s history, for instance the patterns on the shelters echo pressed metal ceiling designs found in nearby 20th century homes. Harold Park Paceway operated from 1890 to 2010, making it the oldest continuously operating paceway track in NSW.
You can visit the park now or you can wait until the official opening by Lord Mayor Clover Moore on 27 October 2018 at 3pm. There will be music, free coffee and gelato too!
The Details
Find the playground at: 1 Dalgal Way, Forest Lodge
Parking? Yes street parking or park at the Tramsheds (and make sure you stop by Messina on the way back).
Toilets? No, unless you go at the Tramsheds.
Bike friendly? Yes, very - just bring the sunscreen as the bike paths are unshaded.
Other New Playgrounds You May Like
Canterbury-Bankstown’s First All-abilities Playground
Symbio Wildlife Park Launch New Water Play Area
New Tram-Themed Playground And Cafe
Have you signed up to our newsletter? Join ellaslist to get the best family and kid-friendly events, venues, classes and things to do NEAR YOU!
Images via: City of Sydney Council and writers' own
Reviews
