If you don’t mind travelling a little further to try out a new playground or if you’re just after a change of scenery, take a drive to The Bower Reserve playground in The Bower Estate at Medowie.
This playground is every kid’s dream, comprising a large playground with a rope climbing structure, a second smaller playground, an exercise area and a half-sized netball/basketball court all connected by a wide, meandering path perfect for scooters, balance bikes or ride-ons.
The larger playground is impressive. It has all the elements of a well-designed kids play area. There is a double slide, a rock climbing wall, a spider web swing, a child and baby swing, a cubby that kids can climb up into different ways with a ‘shop’ underneath, a spiral fireman pole, a suspension bridge, monkey bars and more.
There’s also a great balance beam with log balancing steps that my three and five year old both love. Preschoolers and older kids alike will love this playground.
The huge rope climbing structure nearby will also appeal to older kids.
Just a short scooter ride away is the preschooler/younger kid’s playground. This tractor-themed playground features a slide, a climbing net and tunnel, fireman’s pole and more.
There is also a second spider web swing, a child and baby swing plus a bouncy kangaroo and bouncy echidna here.
My preschoolers enjoy this smaller playground as much as they do the larger one.
For tweens, teens and Mums and Dads there is a specific fitness area with chin up, situp and pushup equipment. This area is located behind the half-size court featuring a basketball hoop one end and netball hoop the other. It’s a beautiful setting for practising shots so don’t forget to bring a ball.
Also ensure you take scooters, kids bikes or ride-ons, as the concrete path that weaves the playgrounds together is another drawcard.
What makes The Bower Reserve so unique is the amazing metal sculptures scattered throughout and its seamless blend into the surrounding bushland environment.
The sculptures feature Australian native animals and an impressive, oversized, metal version of a paper plane.
The playground groundcover is woodchip and the many trees and large grassed areas provide a natural, peaceful setting. The serenity is occasionally disrupted by the noise of the air force jets in practice, but that just comes with the location.
When it’s time for lunch, a rest or a snack there are four large undercover picnic tables. There are also toilets.
Bower Reserve is a great place for a day out with your parent’s group or a kids birthday party.
Good to know:
Address: End of Bower Road, Medowie (off Boundary Road)
Ideal Age: All ages
Public Toilets: Yes
Picnic Facilities: 4 x large, undercover picnic tables
BBQ: No
Café Nearby: No
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