Blackbutt Reserve: 100% Fun at Richley Reserve Adventure Playground

Have a play at the adventure playground in Richley Reserve at Blackbutt Reserve. Opened in August 2018, it’s a great playground that encourages nature play, adventure and risk-taking.

Set in the leafy surrounds of Richley Reserve in New Lambton, this colourful 60 metre playground is filled with play equipment that will entertain and challenge kids.

The park is divided into two main sections for different-aged kids. The area for younger kids contains smaller age-appropriate play equipment including toddler swings, group swing, two slides, a cubby house and a small rope bridge.

The other area is for older kids and lives up to its name as an adventure playground.

Its star attraction is a climbing tower with bridges, slide and fireman pole, and rope courses.

There are parts of the equipment which will challenge (and maybe frighten) some kids. The large adventure tower especially provides some challenge. To get to the top of the climbing fort, kids need to climb through the rope tunnels.

The one that leads from the ground is much more of a challenge and is best suited to older kids.

The playground also encourages nature play. As well as being surrounded by trees and grass, the playground includes a sand pit complete with water tap (bring extra clothes!) as well as a stone garden. For those who are interested, the adventure playground features a variety of floor coverings including bark, softfall and grass.

The interesting thing about this playground is that although there’s lots of play equipment, there’s also plenty of scope for kids’ imaginations. There’s structures that don’t have any real purpose except for kids to run around, run along or run through like the tunnel, red teepees, random wooden logs and large river rocks. It will be interesting to see how kids interact with these different components of the playground.

The adventure playground is also an inclusive one. Pathways provide an accessible route to the playground. Kids with mobility issues can use the ramp to get to the top of the tower. There’s a specially designed carousel designed to provide access for kids in wheelchairs. (Lift up the bar to snap in wheelchairs).

For parents, there’s plenty of shade, seating and barbecues making it an ideal spot to meet up with family and friends. Also, the playground has been designed so that there’s clear sight lines so you can see your children playing. There’s lots of seating whether you’re above the playground in the shelters or in the playground itself.