If you’re looking for a fabulous playground that caters for adventurous toddlers and daring preteens, then head along to check out Golden Grove Playground, Bicentennial Park, West Pymble. Lauren Chowdry from Gordon took her daughter along for a play and shares her review.
Have you had a park visit where youโre on edge trying to make sure your toddler doesnโt run behind the swings while an older kid attempts to reach dizzying heights? Itโs tense, stressful and doesnโt leave much time for catching up with other parents.
Golden Grove Playground in Bicentennial Park, West Pymble, takes the panic out of playground time with a perfect layout separating equipment for older and younger children through subtle levels and a gentle slope, creating a calm experience for you and an exciting one for your kids. For me, with two under two, this is my favourite local playground.
Getting to Golden Grove Playground
You’ll find Golden Grove Playground nestled down the road from West Pymble Bicentennial Club (perfect for a bite to eat with the kids) and right next door to Ku-ring-gai Fitness and Aquatic Centre. This facility has a splash zone and shallow pool to cater to the kids, as well as lap pools, lessons and even a gym. For those who want to explore outside, there are boardwalk trails starting just a few meters from the playground, which join up to local dog parks and ovals (Lofberg Oval) with cricket nets.
There’s plenty of parking space right outside
Parking is abundant with a designated car park which is directly adjacent to the playground, so itโs easy to get from the car to play. Busses can be accessed from Ryde Road, the nearest station is Gordon where you can find connecting busses.
For a space that caters to all ages, with plenty of room for a party and all the facilities you need, check out Golden Grove Playground in Bicentennial Park West Pymble.
Space for parties
Perfect shaded spot for hosting a party
Inside the playground gates, youโll find a water bubbler and large covered area with picnic tables. Most weekends you’ll find someone has decorated for their birthday party – it’s just the perfect spot for it! At the top of the playground there is a large undercover area with picnic tables perfect for snacking and catching up with friends. However, the equipment in the park isnโt very shaded, so bring sunscreen and hats.
Just outside the park is a big grassed area
Just outside the gates of Golden Grove Playground, in the adjoining park, there are more tables under trees, a second covered seating area, as well as barbeques, bins and a toilet block. This park also has a grassed oval surrounded by a paved track for pram walks and bike riding. Thereโs even a stage for your budding performers!
Plenty of seats just outside
Pro-tip: In the late afternoon and early morning, the light hits the sandstone wall behind the oval and looks seriously stunning, check it out for a calming stroll setting.
Zone for younger kids
Kids will love the sandpit (be sure to empty their shoes before you leave!)
The upper area of the playground, near the covered seating, has a large sandpit and water play zone.
Kids can use the sand funnel and toy excavator or create the sandcastle of their dreams. On this same level, there is a toddler appropriate jungle gym with a slide that’s the perfect height for independent two year olds.
This toddler set is perfect for little ones
There is also a round-a-bout (metal so it can be hot), a house for pretend play and gorgeous rainbow chimes.
Nature play equipment
This steps down to a level with nature play equipment and a toddler swing.
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Nature play area for toddlers
The area has mini bridges and has more greenery than the rest of the park so it’s great on a sunny day. I often see pre-schoolers here acting out some complex make-believe scenario involving trolls and fairies.
Make your way down to the accessible swing
Importantly, you can also access the area by ramp, and there is an accessible swing here, too.
Playground Zone for older kids
Finally, the bottom zone is perfect for older kids with a large rope climbing net, two swings, a net swing and a giant slide. There’s a big seating zone here too which the kids can use for play, catching up or plonking their school bags down.
Each level is a mixture of padded ground and mulch making a really comfortable play area for everyone.
Plan your trip…
During playdates here we find the younger ones love the sandpit – bring along a bucket and spade to really make the most of the area. Older kids can be seen running around the park playing floor is lava or just lounging around on the swings.
Bring along your bucket and spade!
For me though, I love the size of the covered area, it makes mothers group catch ups way easier for those with new babies, and means hats can come off during snack time. The park features:
- Public toilets within the park
- Playground is fully fenced
- BBQ facilities
- Benches
- Picnic tables
- Water bubblers
Essential Details: Golden Grove Playground
- Address: Prince Of Wales Dr, West Pymble NSW 2073
- Council: Ku-ring-gai
- Parking: Free car park
- Toilets: Yes
- Facilities: Public toilets within the park, benches, BBQ, picnic tables, bubblers
- Sunshade: Shaded picnic table, but not much around the playground
- Enclosed: Yes
- Seats: Tables
- Nearby Refreshments: Cafe next door at Ku-ring-gai Aquatic Centre and bowling club down the road
