There is a great great new Artarmon playground in the Artarmon Reserve. Set over two levels it’s really big and has a lot of lovely features. The only downside is that it isn’t really an all-inclusive playground which we have come to expect of good playgrounds in Sydney.
We were lucky enough to be invited to a birthday party at this incredible new spot otherwise I am not sure I would have known it was there. It’s quite well hidden down off the road and right at the back of the reserve.
If you haven’t visited yet, you had better get there quick before other people start finding out about it. Although, come to think of it, it is laid out really really well so even if there are a lots of kids, it may not feel crowded.
Aside from a few missing aspects which I hope are in the pipeline, this is a fantastic playground. If those missing aspects, which I will talk to later get sorted out, this may be one of the BEST playgrounds on Sydney’s North Shore.
The great New Artarmon Reserve Playground
I gather that there was a playground in the same space before from what I’ve seen online but it pales in comparison to what exists now. It’s overhauled to cover two levels, sunken down below street level.
Where do we go?
Where is the Artarmon Reserve?
Artarmon Reserve sits on the borders of Artarmon, Willoughby and Naremburn on Sydney’s North Shore. The lower end of the North Shore. It’s quite big and easy to find on Apple or Google Maps.
Artarmon Reserve is a 17 acres of natural reserve and the playground is at the North end of the Reserve.
Where is the new Artarmon Reserve playground?
As I said the new Artarmon Reserve Playground is right at the back of the reserve, hidden in the bushland.
The way we got to the playground we parked at Burra Road and then walked down the hidden steps, through the trees and into the bottom section of the playground.
Features of the New Artarmon Reserve Playground
You know how to tell that you’re visiting a big playground, I’ll give you three indicators:
- There is space to run where kids won’t generally knock into each other.
- The space is split over more than one level.
- More than one slide and they’re not next to each other…
I’m pleased to say that all three of those factors are present in this playground. Yes, there is definitely some need for improvement in the facility arena but play wise, it’s lovely.
Bottom Level
This level is very reminiscent of the original playground, a lovely natural playground set in the bushland. Tall trees, sticks, leaves and plenty of dirt.
As you enter the playground you’ll go past the swings. Pass that and you’ll get to a really interesting looking structure.
In the middle is a wooden structure that looks like a teepee with a short wooden climbing wall to get to the cubby level and then a slide to get down.
If you keep heading to the back of the playground you’ll pass a “rocking horse” with three sides – it’s probably the least natural aspect of the playground but it’s lots of fun. My husband even spent some time playing on it with the kids.
I’m sorry to say I didn’t spend as much time on the bottom level as I should have. I wasn’t really exploring as we were at a birthday party but we will be back next month and I’ll update the post accordingly.
Right at the back you’ll find another slide that comes down from the top level. It comes down the bank and into a rather dirty looking sandpit. Just dirty because of all the leaves and sticks floating down from the trees above. On either side of the slide are spring form for the kids to climb back up.
Top Tip: It’s a sharp metal slide but there are mats that the kids can use to go down the slide if the metal gets too hot.
Top Level
The top level is the really “attractive-to-kids” section. It’s all sparkly brand new with gleaming steel structures and the natural earth has been replaced by spring form.
Starting at the beginning of the top level is a big climbing dome, my kids spent ages upon ages climbing this as there are differing thickness of ropes, plastic resting seats. It’s not huge but what’s quite nice is that they’ve made it so different ages of kids, 4 through to 9 and capabilities can climb in different sections.
At the back of the playground is are two slides coming down another bank with some smaller mounds to climb up the bank between the slides.
There are also three small trampolines at the bottom of the long flying fox. Yes, there is a long flying fox with two different lines running down, one for the bigger kids and a flying fox seat for the smaller kids.
The top level is really big and open with lots of space for the kids to run about even have a game of soccer with just a few mates.
Facilities at the new Artarmon Reserve Playground
BBQs, Picnic Tables and Seating
There is a BBQ near to the playground and another somewhere in the greater reserve.
Pack a picnic and spend some time at the playground in the great outdoors. There are picnic tables up at the top and the bottom. One of the ones at the top is covered and makes a perfect venue for a birthday party.
There is also “seating” on the little walls constructed around the playground spaces. You can definitely sit there and watch the kids as they play!
Bathrooms
My number one problem with the playground itself is the lack of bathrooms.
While there are bathrooms within the greater reserve, there is nothing in the playground itself. I’m hoping that the council is doing something about this.
The playground is quite big and if your child gets stuck at the top part of the playground needing a bathroom break you’ll be stuck!
Shade
There is no proper shade cover in place yet so the top level is very exposed except under the picnic table. The bottom level does have shade but only from what is provided by the trees surrounding the playground.
Water
There are bubblers located around the playground which is fantastic. Just a pity about the bathrooms because once the kids have played with the bubblers for ages…. you know what happens.
Facilities within the Artarmon Reserve
The greater reserve has a lot to offer. Including:
- Fenced sportsfield which is an unleashed dog exercise area
- Public toilets
- 2 BBQs. One electric BBQ and picnic settings is adjacent to and level with the top carpark.
- 2 carpark areas
- Bike/walking tracks
Age Suitability
For those of you who follow the blog, you will notice that this is a new category and purely because my son has started complaining about certain places we visit not being challenging enough for him. It’s an interesting age this!!
So from now on, I will be indicating which age groups would get the best out of each playground.
Age Suitability of this playground
I would say that this playground is best for children up to the age of 3 to 7. Old enough to run around and explore the two levels but not too old that they will get bored.
Disclaimer
Not all children have the same abilities. Not all children who look to have the same physical abilities do. The above age suitability is purely a guideline and should be considered in light of your own child’s ability.
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Great all inclusive playgrounds
Here is a list of just a few of the all inclusive playgrounds that we love:
