‘PARKLIFE’ - A Guide to our Local Parks
We have some of the best parks around our region and this new local parks guide will showcase just a few of them. If you are looking for some new places to take the kids or trying to find a new spot for your weekend picnic then we hope this guide will give you some inspiration! In typical Echo style, and to get the best local insight, the parks featured here are in the form of reviews from our local residents.
DUGGAN STREET PARK
Location: Duggan Street, Keperra Reviewed by Lauren Ruthenberg from Arana Hills Lauren’s review: A hidden gem! This park sits in a quiet street in Keperra, just near the golf course. All new equipment, with something for most ages; although really suited to toddlers and preschoolers. Fairly well shaded with shade sails, but also some lovely tree cover for a picnic. Arguably the best part of this park is that you can sit atop the fort and watch the trains arrive and depart from Keperra station! A ‘must go-to’ park for any little train spotter. There is also a dog park and gym equipment in the vicinity. On street parking available and this lovely little park is perfect for shy kids; it is very quiet during the week.
THE HILLS DISTRICT ALL ABILITIES PLAYGROUND
Location: 120 Olearia Street West, Everton Hills Reviewed by Lauren Inwards & Anna Williams - both from Ferny Hills Anna’s review: We love the Hills District Abilities Playground at Everton Hills, because it’s a place my boys can access playground equipment. When your legs and arms don’t function like they should, trying to be like a regular mobile kid is near impossible. The boys miss out on so much, such as swings, slides and birthday parties. But at the all abilities playground the boys physical limitations don’t for the first time limit them from participating in life. We can swing, we can slide, laugh and make friends. This playground means more to us, then just a park, it gives them the freedom to just be a regular kid.
CASCADE PARK
Location: Ellendale Estate, Cascade Place via Canvey Road, Upper Kedron Reviewed by Saskia Pit from Everton Hills The park is tucked away at the end of a cul-de-sac, making it safe for little ones. There is a unique eight metre high tower with climbing nets leading towards two six metre long tunnel slides, as well as a range of other play equipment including swings, a Piccadilly circle, a quattro see-saw, a hill slide and a hill climb. There are also picnic areas including lookout shelters, a barbeque and a kickabout space. Plus magnificant views of the nature corridors and mountains beyond to enjoy.
Lauren’s review: We have a combined family which includes six kids in primary school with one who is special needs. This park is amazing! It has enough to keep them all entertained and is ideal for a variety of ages from toddlers through to mid primary. Its fully fenced with toilets, BBQ and bubblers and even has a herb garden with misters (great for cooling down in summer) ! There’s also multiple shaded picnic tables and a nice grassy area for picnics. The park is ideally located with a large grassed area next to it so that if you have kids that want to play tiggy or frisby they can do that too. The play area includes multiple swings for different ages (where you can happily push multiple kids), is plenty of parking.
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BRADBURY PARK KEDRON
Location: 91 Kitchener Road, Kedron Reviewed by Claire Bennett from Ferny Hills Claire’s review: Bradbury Park in Kedron is a great little park where kids can scoot until their heart’s content, and let their imagination run wild. Perfect for kids 5 years and under, the 200m looped scooter track is filled with obstacles and fun features that will keep them interested, whilst also testing and improving their riding ability. The magic forest at the southern end of the park holds many secrets waiting to be discovered. Set within a bush setting, the play space encourages curiosity and inspires play. There is bench seating around the park, and lots of natural shade from the trees to set up a picnic rug under whilst being able to keep an eye on your little ones. There is on and off-street parking, an off-leash dog park next to the scooter park and a coffee shop 350m away. Unfortunately there are no toilets at the park...
Claire’s son, Ashton pretending to be a fruit bat on the scooter track!
Part of the magic garden at the Park
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Location: 815 Rode Rd, Chermside West Reviewed by Katie Maclean from Albany Creek Katie’s review: Downfall Creek Reserve is a hidden oasis tucked away alongside the busy Rode Road in Chermside. There is so much there to keep the whole family amused. A great playground with climbing frames, swings and other park equipment. There is also a half-court basketball court, lots of sheltered seating available for picnics and BBQing facilities. And yes there are toilets! However it’s not just the regular park features you find here. There is also the Downfall Creek Bushland centre located next to the playground that is full of educational and cultural displays and it is complete with it’s own community composting hub. You can also grab your free native plants here as part of the Brisbane City Council’s Native Plants Program. In addition, there is also an all abilities ’Senses Trail’ that is only 200m long and winds through the forest. There are many walking/running/biking tracks, so it is a popular spot for exercising, too. The only downfall (no pun intended!) is that, although parking seemed sufficient when we visited during the week, I would imagine during the weekends when it is a little busier, the car park would be full to bursting and it may be difficult to get a park.
Do you have a favourite park your would like to share with our community? Submit your review online at www.echo-news.com.au/submit-your-review If your review is published you will score 10 FREE COFFEES to either FERNY’s or BLACKWOOD CAFE & ESPRESSO BAR. The choice is yours!
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