We haven’t been to Parramatta Park for a long time but all the buzz about the new Domain Creek Playground piqued my curiosity. The weather has been so amazing it seemed a great excuse to pack a picnic and enjoy the sunshine while checking out the new playground.
The grounds of Parramatta Park are vast, so even on a busy public holiday like Anzac Day it was possible to keep away from the crowds (except in the playground of course), find some shade and have room to have a good kick around with BJ’s soccer ball.
DOMAIN CREEK PLAYGROUND
The playground opened mid-2015 and the novelty has definitely not worn off judging by the number of families enjoying it.
The flying fox is popular with kids lining up to take flight. I was thrilled to find it is a dual flying fox. One side has a disc seat and the other is a full seat with harness allowing a child or teen with less postural control to manage it.
There is ramp access to the flying fox platform which is handy for parents with prams too.
Nest swings seem to be becoming the ‘norm’ in playgrounds which is great for many children with additional needs.
Water play never seems to get old. I was thrilled to see this pump in the playground. It easily accessed by all.
There is a carousel and although it isn’t a wheelchair specific carousel (the carousels built for a wheelchair have an arm which comes down behind the wheelchair to stop tipping) we felt that perhaps it still could be used. It would require someone standing behind the wheelchair to ensure it didn’t tip.
I love the idea of these trampolines. Super bouncy but safe.
Extensive sand play areas surround much of the play equipment. There is no step into many of these areas. The diggers have a small back on them which may mean some children with additional needs can use it.
The slide is one of the hot items in the park with kids lining up to have a turn. A rope ladder which feeds up into the slide is the only way up. Many parents could be seen ‘feeding’ their children up and assisting them when their confidence wavered.
OTHER THINGS TO SEE & DO
The kids and I have been to this café in the holidays and thoroughly enjoyed the food and view. The café is wheelchair friendly with indoor and outdoor seating. There is also a stand-alone disabled toilet which doubles as a baby change facility.
You can check out the breakfast, lunch and kids menu here.
DON’T GO WITHOUT……………..
Visiting the flying fox colony. I’m not really a fan of bats but I still find it fascinating to see them in their natural habitat. The colony is not far from the café and easy to spot.
Head to the left of the café (as you look at the café) towards the water. As you cross the weir look up and you won’t be able to miss them.
I felt like the guy or gal with a wing out was playing up for the camera with a bit of a “ta-da” pose.
BIKES
If you have someone that needs to ride a bike or do electric wheelchair practice in a car-free zone I am pleased to say that there is one area where you can do this.
To find this area, drive past the Domain Creek Playground, cross the bridge and just to the right you’ll find the car-free zone with parking to the left.
PACK A BALL
There are huge fields at Parramatta Park perfect for ball games. Pack a ball or bocce set and have some fun without worrying about the ball landing in someone else’s picnic lunch.
We were thrilled to spy a flock of Corella’s who were intent on eating something from the grass. They were a friendly bunch.
TIPS
The Domain Creek Playground is found on the Westmead side of the park, opposite the Queens Road Gatehouse.
Barbecues are available throughout the grounds of the parks.
There is a disabled toilet available at the Queens Road Gatehouse entrance and a stand-alone toilet facility at the Parramatta Park Café.
Disabled parking is dotted throughout the park. There is one space to the right of the café.
The entire park works on a one-way basis, so drive slow and don’t miss your turn off or you’ll have to do another lap. Been there done that!
Police and rangers patrol the park so watch your speed and don’t overstay your welcome.
For more information about Parramatta Park and playgrounds, head to their website here.
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