Article published on 23 January 2024
Bales Park Playground is loved by locals and offers great play opportunities for little ones and their more adventurous older siblings. Even though Bales Park Playground is relatively small, the carefully selected play equipment entertains young adventurers for hours. The play equipment ranges from low and easy accessible items, to more challenging climbing options to provide the right mix of fun to everyone.
Choo-choo
As long as we can remember (it’s been a while) the main attraction at Bales Park Playground has been a train. Naturally, the latest upgrade carried out by Willoughby City Council in 2023 included a new and improved version of the iconic Proludic choo-choo train. It consists of a Locomotive engine and two Wagons, with inclusive design built in, that allows children to play together or apart. Sometimes you just need a break from your sibling!
It is beautiful to watch how the train stimulates imagination and takes everyone on a different ride. Many manipulative play features support the imaginative play journey. The talking tube on the Locomotive can be used to shout out the next stop or the final destination, while the carriage has benches and tables for the passengers to sit and enjoy their journey. You can even learn about Roman numerals by using the puzzle panel on the Covered Wagon.
Small is mighty
Playing with sand is one of the joys of childhood with huge developmental benefits, and we love the inclusion of a sand pit at Bales Park. Even better is the addition of the Sieve – a sand play table with shapes and a sieve that encourages children to experiment with sand. Children can build their fine motor skills by utilizing the sand making “flowers” and letting the sand “rain” through the sieve. Just add water and it’s a whole new experience with wet sand. Children also have fun just building their own sand castles or crawling around in the sand pit to play “doggies” . Their imagination knows no limits!
Sliding and moving
A mound has been built into the playground with stairs and a handrail to provide access to a double-width embankment slide enjoyed by everyone. Even children that need a little help from a friend or carer to enjoy the thrill of a slide can have fun at Bales Park. There is also a tunnel built under the mound which children can run through and shout as they experiment with movement and sound.
Local legend
Bales Park Playground is loved by locals. Carers can enjoy picnic tables and various seating options. From there they can keep an eye on the youngsters exploring to their hearts’ content within the fenced playground area. Surrounded by trees, there is plenty of natural shade that invites families to stay and play for longer. Feeling peckish? Thirsty? Not a worry, there is a BBQ and a bubbler to make your family day out even better.
A bit of history
Once upon a time, the land that is Bales Park was used as Chinese market gardens. The park, known as Central Park, was created in 1930 and later enlarged to include more land. It is named after Alderman Joseph Bales, who was the Mayor of Willoughby for a number of years between 1931-1947.
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