Who doesn’t love a fenced playground? This one is fully fenced AND shaded. Although it’s located an 80-minute drive from Newcastle, in the country town of Paterson, it makes for a picturesque and enjoyable day trip with family or friends.
John Tucker Park is named after John Tucker, a well-known resident of Bolwarra/Paterson, who played a key role in its development. He purchased land adjoining a small, already-popular picnic area with trees he himself had planted and then donated it to the council, significantly expanding the reserve.
Rows of tall, beautiful poplar trees greet you as you enter the park, offering a fantastic photo opportunity.
Kids can play safely in the fully fenced playground, which is equipped with a large shade sail to protect them from the sun. The playground floor is covered in fine woodchip, so expect little ones to get a bit dusty; old clothes are recommended.
This playground proved a winner with my kids, aged 8 and 10, and their friends. A group of 10 – 12 year old were clearly having a great time, and younger kids would enjoy this playground too. With a variety of equipment to climb, balance, bounce and swing on, there’s plenty of ways to play.
The swings include a regular swing and a baby/toddler swing.
We discovered a new piece of equipment: the horizontal seesaw. Kids can ride it sitting or lying down.
There’s three great slides (including two large, enclosed ones), a rock-climbing wall, a spinning pole plus climbing nets and bridges.
Kids can alternate between playing on the equipment and exploring the game boards, sensory board, musical pipes and pretend shop.
There are some great places to sit and enjoy a picnic lunch. All tables are covered which is a bonus. There’s also a great undercover BBQ area with free gas barbecues, a sink and a water bubbler.
In the mid-1970’s the park was further extended when council purchased part of the Fry Family’s farming paddock. The Fry Family had a coaching business and two of the old building still remain – a brick building which housed the town’s hearse and a timber corn straddle. Signage around the park reveals more of the area’s history.
John Tucker Park is just a 5-minute drive from Tocal, making it easy to visit both in one trip. Visit Tocal College for Field Days event in May or Tocal Homestead for their Peek into the Past event in July.
Good to Know
Address: Maitland Road, Paterson NSW
Ideal Age: Something for all ages, but mostly preschoolers and above
Public Toilets: Yes
Water Fountain: Yes
Picnic Facilities: Lots of covered picnic tables and grassed area
BBQ: Yes
Accessibility: Accessible toilets with ramp
Nearby Cafe or Restaurant: The Paterson Country Café is a short drive away, on King Street
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