Beckett Park Playground, Parring Road, Balwyn
The playground has had a big make-over and incorporates some of the best elements that were there before and some elements which replace those in the previous re-incarnation. I didn't think the main structure needed replacement. Maybe it was a case of attack of the killer woodworms.
The main structure is based around a long ramp. At the start is a large sandpit covered in shade sails with two diggers and a sand play table, On the side is a shop front (where you can sell sand to those parents trying to create a beach in their backyard), a clock face and clanger to hit against pipes. This area also has an in-ground trampoline, cup to sit in and spin around, pelican springer, tic-tac-toe and stand-on spinner.
The ramp leads to an area with a small wooden maze on one side. If you reach a dead-end in the maze you'll be able to look at yourself in a distorting mirror. The other side has a small wave slide, climbing wall and dual wave slides.
This leads on to a traversing section with a rope net bridge, long fixed flying fox, rope traverse and vertical rope climbing net. This area has a large see-saw with kangaroo seats and long balance beam. The ramp finally leads to a higher level which has a scrambling wall, steps for access, another climbing wall and a long wave slide.
There is a row of five horizontal bars of varying heights, four swings and a big atom shaped rope climbing frame (a chance for the nerdier kids to split the atom). There are four interesting wooden sculptures, some shaded and unshaded tables and seats, water tap, grassy area and toilets.
The playground is located next to the Beckett Park Indigenous Flora Reserve and Maranoa Australian Gardens (well worth a visit).
A stone lookout which has stairs inside can be climbed for spectacular views over the playground. The stone observation tower is only open when Maranoa Gardens is staffed and not during bad weather.
Beckett Park was formerly known as One Tree Hill and originally a grassy woodland. It was a traditional site for Empire Day bonfires in the 1940s and 50s and is home to a war memorial.
Note: The playgrounds does not have any BBQs.
Access for Dogs:
Beckett Park has a dog off leash area.
Photos:
Location
30 Parring Road, Balwyn 3103 Map
