What makes a great playground? It’s a question I’ve been asked numerous times and every time it’s cause for pause. What does make a great playground?
There are also a variety of spinners and 2 saucer swings! Photo by Jill Footz
Selfishly, I love playgrounds with rubber base. I’ve heard experts say sand offers more play value for kids, but I hate the feeling of sand in my shoes and dumping piles of sand out of my kids’ socks at the end of the day. I love variety in a park – the play spaces that offer something for every kid, from the spinners to the swingers to the climbers and yes, of course, the toddlers. I love the trend toward bringing nature into parks and seeing things like rocks and logs added in. And, yes, on those hot days, I do love a good spray park as much as the next mom! There’s nothing like a stream of icy water to cool ’em off and chill ’em out!
Britnell Park Playground checks all the boxes!
So much to explore. Photo by Jill Footz
Britnell is really four parks in one – there’s a bigger playground, a nature playground, a toddler park and even a spray park! (Bonus, the spray park includes a small sand area with water tables – perfect for a little good, old fashioned messy play!)
Cool, industrial-looking big kid park. Photo by Jill Footz
The bigger playground is truly unique – a black, red and grey industrial looking area. If you have climbers, they will be in heaven here! There are ropes and ladders and climbing holds of all varieties!
Why walk up the stairs when you can climb the sides? Photo by Jill Footz
Why walk up the stairs when you can traverse the side using the unique hold and holes, all designed for hands and feet! Need a break? Rest easy in the chain mounted green hammock-like apparatus!
Kick back and relax. Photo by Jill Footz
In direct contrast from the space-aged big park is the natural play area, featuring rocks, logs, and even a little tunnel cave.
Natural playground area. Photo by Jill Footz
Toddlers will love the bright colours and funky shapes of the little park. The slides here may be smaller, but there’s still plenty for the bigger kids to do, including more climbing walls and a cool rope bridge.
Toddler park. Photo by Jill Footz
Finally, and set off to the side from the other play spaces, is the splash park. The water area is based in concrete, and features a simple design with a variety of sprayers, floor jets and a couple of water pouring bowls.
Spray Park. Photo by Jill Footz
Beyond the spray park is the messy play area, with a sand pit in one section and a couple of mixing areas perfect for pouring sand and water and generally getting mucked up. There’s also smaller rocky climbing structure.
Sand play area. Photo by Jill Footz
With the exception of the sand and water areas, Britnell Park Playground is entirely covered in rubber base and all on one level. It offers a variety of benches and picnic tables scattered around it, as well as a covered picnic area. There are no bathrooms on site.
Britnell Park Playground. Photo by Jill Footz
Britnell Park Playground:
Where: Britnell Blvd & 45 Street NW, Edmonton (map)
Website: horsehillcommunity.ca
