It is simply fact – playgrounds are getting cooler. I present Exhibit A: Argyll Community Playground.
This park is so new (at time of writing – August 3, 2018) that fencing is still up to keep kids off the fresh grass, and the green shack program doesn’t even have a shack yet!
Lots of stumps and rocks for jumping. Photo by Jill Footz
A friend, whose kids were doing a Pedalheads Bike Camp at the site, tipped me off to the new park, and boy was I glad she did. Every time a new playground opens, the “wow factor” bar seems to be moved higher and Argyll Community Playground is no exception.
Log ladder. Photo by Jill Footz
Stump staircase. Photo by Jill Footz
Following the trend of nature-themed park spaces, Argyll is a sea of browns, greys and dark greens, with a little red thrown in here and there for good measure. Wood and rock inspired climbing structures are sprinkled throughout, right down to a log ladder and wood slice staircase.
Climb up into the treehouse. Photo by Jill Footz
Climb the mock wooden nailers to get up to main structure. It’s made to look exactly like a treehouse, right up to its leafy cap! Slides, tunnels, (even a hollowed out log), bars and ropes stretch out in every direction. Climbers will undoubtedly love this park as there are seemingly endless options for going up.
Infinity climbers. Photo by Jill Footz
There are infinity walls and boulder walls. There are a couple of rock structures, one with a handful of hopping logs and a balance plank within jumping distance. Two beam-like walls have pieces that jut out just enough for kids to take hold and climb up and over. They’re joined by a rope ladder so you can go from one to the next without even touching the ground!
Climbers will love this park! Photo by Jill Footz
The toddler park is also exceptional – a mini version of the main treehouse that features a piano complete with song sheet. (My daughter had to play “Twinkle, Twinkle”, “Frere Jacques”, “London Bridge” and “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” before we could move on.) There’s also a bouncy grasshopper, bright red truck, and a cool little house that begs for imaginative play.
Music lesson. Photo by Jill Footz
Another unique feature that, to this point, I’ve only seen in indoor playgrounds, is the animal sound system. Touch the small metal discs to hear the sounds made by a number of woodland creatures. (Will this feature survive an Alberta winter? Only time will tell!)
Animal sounds. Photo by Jill Footz
Off to the side is a sand pit decked out with shovels, pails and sifters. The rest of the park has a wood chip base. (thank you!) There are several benches and picnic tables along the park’s perimeter, including a couple that are under a spacious shelter. The community league building does not offer public washrooms, but there were some porta-potties on site during our visit. (I don’t know if they will be a regular feature.)
Adorable toddler area. Photo by Jill Footz
The neighbouring Velodrome and BMX racing track mean you’re likely to see cyclists in the area. Catch a game at the adjacent soccer and rugby fields, or extend your activity with a stroll through beautiful Mill Creek Ravine – bridge construction in the ravine was completed early, and the area is once again ready for visitors!
Argyll Community Playground:
Where: 6750 – 88 Street, Edmonton
Website: www.argyllcl.ab.ca
