The long-awaited $3.5 million revitalisation of the playground at Gregson Park in Hamilton was finally completed in October 2024 and if you haven’t been yet, it’s worth a visit.
There are so many things to rave about Gregson Park playground but we love how it fits into its surroundings of native fig trees and palm trees and combines traditional play equipment with accessible and nature-based play options.
The redevelopment also celebrates the European (by maintaining the cannons) and Indigenous heritage of this historic park with a yarning circle and bush tucker garden.
It’s also cleverly designed with the playground divided into different areas but parents or caregivers have a clear line of sight across the playground. There’s also plenty of seating whether it’s on seats or sandstone rock benches and a combination of softfall and bark chip flooring.
Gregson Park playground includes equipment for a range of ages and abilities and incorporates traditional play equipment as well as nature and water play. There’s even a marble run!
As you enter the playground from the eastern entrance of Gregson Park (near the cannons), you’ll immediately see the swings. As well as a regular swing and baby swing, there’s a nest swing so that groups of kids, or parents and their children can jump in and swing together.
Near that is a cute little yellow see-saw rocker.
For little ones, there’s a softfall mound with two sides, ropes and rock-climbing holds.
It’s perfect for them to run or climb up the small hill and then get down on the slides.
Next to that are two in-ground trampolines which are always popular with kids. The placement of the trampolines means that kids (and parents) can try to bounce from one trampoline to another.
The key feature of the playground is the six-metre-high climbing tower which integrates climbing nets and rope nests.
This is sure to be a hit with older kids who love to climb.
Next to that is a set of modern monkey bars which kids can swing across or dangle from.
A unique feature of this playground is the sandpit with water play feature so bring your kids bucket and spade (and maybe a change of clothes).
This area is covered by a large blue and white shade structure so kids can stay cool while they enjoy messy play making mud pies or digging in the sand.
If they want to play with water, they can crank on the handle and watch the water flow down the concrete path to a mosaic area.
Another interesting play element is the marble run. Bring marbles from home and let your kids roll them around on the run.
Also in this section is a balance obstacle course.
At Gregson Park, they’ve also incorporated accessible elements. There are wide pathways and a bridge which make getting around the playspace easier for those with limited mobility. Little ones can bring scooters and bikes and ride around the playground.
In addition, there are inclusive equipment such as an accessible carousel and group swing so that all-abilties can play together.
The playground incorporates traditional Indigenous elements, including a yarning circle to encourage knowledge sharing. This is surrounded by a bush tucker garden to enrich learning of native edible plants. It’s lovely to wander through this section and see information about different plants.
There’s also plenty of nature-based play options with winding paths around trees, sandstone blocks and the many trees in this playground that provide shade.
If you’re looking for a park with shade, this is it. Fig trees and palm trees shade parts of the playground making it perfect for warm days. However, some shade sails over exposed play equipment wouldn’t go amiss.
For additional shade, there’s a covered picnic area with two barbecues so bring some snags to cook up.
The amenities building was upgraded and includes single cubicles and a large trough-style sink. Also, here is a cubicle with baby change facilities.
This is Hamilton’s most historic park and you’ll be pleased to know that the cannons are still there. These magnificent cannons flank the eastern entrance of Gregson Park complementing the war memorial in the park.
In addition to the playground, Gregson Park has lots of grass to run around on as well as flower beds full of beautiful blooms. It’s a top spot for birthday parties and other celebrations.
Good to Know
Gregson Park Playground is suitable for toddlers, preschoolers and school-aged children, with equipment designed for a range of ages and abilities.
The playground is located on Tudor Street in Hamilton, NSW, within Gregson Park.
Parking is available around the park, but it can be limited during busy times. Public transport options include Broadmeadow Train Station, about 950 metres away, and bus stops on Newcastle Road and Tudor Street.
Yes. Gregson Park has upgraded public toilets with wheelchair access and baby change facilities.
Yes. A drinking water fountain is available near the playground.
Yes. The park offers covered picnic tables close to the playground.
Yes. A public BBQ is available within the park.
Spur on Samdon Street is nearby, and additional cafés are located along Beaumont Street.
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