The St Ives Showground Playground opened in December 2020, and it’s the largest ever built in the Ku-ring-gai area! The best thing is that this playground is truly is for everyone – of all ages, and of all abilities. The playground was specifically designed to be inclusive, and has a range of play equipment and nature play experiences.
The playground has distinct areas for very young children through to those aged 11-12 years. Some of the equipment features windmills and timber animal sculptures to reflect the showground’s agricultural history.
The nature play areas have timber, rocks and other natural materials intermingled with plants. The idea behind these spaces is that children can explore beyond play equipment and use their imaginations in play with other children.
Parents and carers aren’t forgotten with comfortable new seats installed, picnic tables and shelters, toilets, a bubbler and tap, bins, bike racks and information signs. The new amenities block contains Ku-ring-gai’s first ‘Changing Places’ cubicle which is fully accessible for people with complex care needs.
Picnic area with tables and seats at St Ives Showground playground
Accessible toilets
Areas beyond the playground are benefitting from protection and staged regeneration of trees and other vegetation.
Mayor Jennifer Anderson said the Showground playground was a great addition to numerous new playgrounds being installed across Ku-ring-gai. She says, “Our goal is to make all local playgrounds accessible and inclusive.”
Younger children’s play area (6 years and under)
Cubby house & tractor
Merry-go-round fun
Designed specifically for this age group, this area offers a variety of play opportunities including:
- Cubby houses
- Low slide
- Junior swings
- Spinning carousel
- Rocker
- Shop nooks
- Imaginative farm & showground
Older children’s play area (6 years and older)
High slides at St Ives Showground Playground
Elevated enclosed rope walkways at St Ives Showground Playground
Fun and challenge are encouraged with:
- Rope climbing
- High slides
- Elevated enclosed rope walkways
- Double flying fox
- Giant birds nest swing
Fully fenced
As parents of “runners”, we’re delighted that this playground is fully fenced with see-through fences to a minimum height of 1.2m.
Shade
The site is well shaded by existing mature trees with play areas integrated among them. Additional trees have been planted to maintain the forest character, within the constraints of bushfire management, and shade structures will be provided at key locations.
Nature Play
Nature play areas include logs, timber, boulders, a stone sculpture and other materials intermingled with plants, providing children opportunities for imaginative play. There are also quiet places and a variety of sensory play opportunities.
Accessibility
Accessible parking and pathways will provide easy links between the new playground and surrounding parkland and toilets.
Mayor Jennifer Anderson said the playground was part of a bigger plan by the Council to incrementally improve facilities at St Ives Showground. She said:
“We have an overall vision for the Showground and the Wildflower Garden to become recognised destinations for local residents, short-term visitors from around Sydney and elsewhere and having a top-quality playground is an important part of that. It’s also another way to help families enjoy an active lifestyle in our local area.”
Cafe within 2 minutes walk!
In 2023, a cafe opened at St Ives Showgrounds… which is a short walk across the oval. At the Black Knight Cafe, you can buy a range of hot drinks, croissants, banana bread and muffins, right through to more substantial lunch options like gnocchi, lasagne, chicken nuggets, calamari and fish and chips.
Black Knight Cafe at St Ives Showgrounds
Menu at Black Knight Cafe
Essential Details: St Ives Showgrounds Playground
- Address: 450 Mona Vale Road, St Ives
- Website: www.krg.nsw.gov.au
