Hamilton Reserve, Vale Park – Playground with a Secret Message
The upgrade of Hamilton Reserve in Vale Park is now open with a fabulous family friendly playspace. Where there used to just be a (dead) grassy area with big trees right next to the Linear Park Trail, there is now grass you can actually play on (perfect for picnics in the shade), with an awesome labyrinth mowed into one part, next to a newly built nature playground. Thanks to @emma_pisani for the heads up, and info when this was completed at the end of 2021.
Here are some of the features of the new Hamilton Reserve:
- A special message using hidden codes (more about this further down)
- Two BBQs each with shelter and table settings
- Bench seats everywhere
- A round swing
- Nature play equipment, including huge fantastic wire frames that children can add sticks around to make cubbies
- Plenty of new plants and trees, making it very shady
- A smaller children’s bike path loop winds all around this reserve
- Drinking water fountain and bottle refilling station
- Toilets.
The reserve is not fenced, but it is a very quiet traffic area. The playground is generally suited for older kids, rather than toddlers.
Bikes will whizz along the Linear Trail that runs along one edge of the reserve – something to be aware of with young kids.
SECRET CODE & HIDDEN MESSAGE
The best part of Hamilton Reserve is the very unique secret code and hidden message to find. This is where the coded ring around the labyrinth comes into play. You’ll need to work it out for yourself, but just a tip, the clues are hidden all over the reserve – you really need to look hard for some of them. I took two 12-13 yr olds and they spent about an hour searching and deciphering the secret message. Younger kids will definitely need help with cracking the message but they will enjoy looking for the hidden clues.
TIP: Take a notepad and pencil/pen to help with writing down the clues. Otherwise you can use your Notes pad on your phone.
We had trouble finding one of the clues. Emma said that they also had trouble finding one of the clues, but interestingly, they happened to be different clues that we couldn’t find.
It’s such a clever and unique addition to this wonderful playspace and makes it extra fun. It’s great to have something that older kids can get involved in. They will also like the parkour aspect of the nature playground equipment.
Yes, there are toilets! New accessible toilets have been installed right beside the playground, making the reserve suitable for a long play, catchups, bbqs, picnics and parties. It’s also handy if you are using the Linear Park trail too.
There are resurfaced tennis courts and more new toilets nearby – just on the other side of Lower Portrush Rd: you walk along the Linear Trail, under Lower Portrush Road bridge (into Willow Bend Reserve) and follow the path around up the hill.
There is car parking on the streets around the Reserve.
The Hamilton Reserve project has been brought to life with the approval of matched government funding to progress the project. In June 2021, the Walkerville Council was notified of its success in receiving $319,825 from the State Government as part of the 2020/21 Open Space and Places for People Grant Program.
This is great utilisation of an unused open space which can now be enjoyed by both the community as outdoor recreation, and visitors using the Linear Park Trail. Well done to everyone involved.
Thanks so much to Emma Pisani and family for the photos above. Below are some more photos that we took on our visit.
Location:
Stewart Avenue, Vale Park
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See our Top Parks & Playgrounds around Adelaide
For more information and all enquiries please visit the Town of Walkerville website here
What: Hamilton Reserve | Vale Park
When: Open as of December 2021
Where: Stewart Avenue, Vale Park
Who: Everyone
At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.
Image Source: Play & Go Adelaide + @emma_pisani
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