The first time we visited Borden Park we almost didn’t find the playground!
There’s so much to see in this stunning East-central Edmonton park that you can easily overlook the nature-themed playground – but you shouldn’t! More on that in a minute.
Vaulted Willow, photo by Jill Footz
On our first visit we parked near the Borden Park Natural Outdoor pool and started to wander the beautiful grounds. It was a gorgeous winter day so the fountains weren’t running, but the kaleidoscope of colour that is the Vaulted Willow sculpture caught our eye from a distance. We enjoyed spirited games of hide & seek and tag before we started to tromp through the snow to check out some of the other public art that’s on display throughout the park.
That’s when a giant mother bear and her cubs caught our eye.
We love the bear and snake sculptures! Photo by Jill Footz
It’s easy to see why Borden Park Playground blends into its surroundings. The playspace is a stark contrast from the colour of the Vaulted Willow – in a good way! The three spacious parks will make you feel like you’ve uncovered a secret treehouse in the woods.
Borden Toddler Park, photo by Jill Footz
The toddler park is the most visually appealing with the aforementioned mother bear and cubs, as well as a coiled snake – both make excellent climbers. There’s a busy beehive at the centre of the platform and two small slides.
Photo by Jill Footz
Adjacent to the toddler park is a unique structure featuring two peaks. There’s a slide at the far end and several different options for climbing up onto the platforms, which are connected by a roller coaster-like “track” for scrambling up and down.
Photo by Jill Footz
There are monkey bars, a handful of spinners, a cable climber and tightrope, tree trunk hoppers, as well as two toddler swings and four “big kid” swings; all of it set in wood chips with wooden bridges connecting each park.
Photo by Jill Footz
Our favourite part is the largest central structure. It looks like a giant tree that’s been hollowed out, with a playhouse build around it. I count at least 8 ways to climb up, 4 slides, and two squirrels carved into the decor! (can you find them?)
Spot the squirrels! Photo by Jill Footz
Borden Park Playground is surrounded by plenty of benches, picnic tables and even a sheltered picnic space. During the summer it will make a brilliant outing paired with a trip to the pool. Walk straight west into the park and you will find the Borden Park Pavilion, a large, round, mirrored building – inside are bathrooms, water fountains, picnic tables and even pop machines.
Photo by Jill Footz
Don’t forget to pop by the Vaulted Willow for hide & seek, tag and photo ops!
Tag at the Vaulted Willow, photo by Jill Footz
Borden Park Playground:
Where: 7507 Borden Park Road, Edmonton (map)
Website: www.edmonton.ca
