Dora Gild Playground | Churchill Ave, Clarence Park
by Catherine Leo
Not being on a major road, the Dora Gild Playground in Clarence Park is a bit of a hidden treasure that is already incredibly popular with locals but may not be known by many other Adelaideans.
Editor’s note: Since this review there have been some changes to the play equipment following community engagement β including a new playhouse. Check out our review of the new, improved Dora Gild Playground.
When I asked visitors to the playground what they most love about it, the overwhelming response was SHADE! Almost the entire playing area is covered by either shade cloth, or trees so itβs a brilliant place to take kids on warm days. No fear of burning hot equipment! It is also fully fenced and has a large expanse of play area, so you can really spread out and not feel like youβre on top of other people.
All age groups are well-covered at Dora Gild so itβs particularly perfect for families with both young, and older children to entertain. The dedicated toddler section features a sandpit, cubby and slide (with a βlookoutβ feature), rockers and swings. I especially loved the undercover bench seating within the cubby that makes a great little cafΓ© spot to put out some snacks.
The equipment for older children, while accessible to toddlers, isnβt quite as hazardous for the little ones as Iβve seen at some playgrounds that have gaps in the high-level fencing which can result in fallsβ¦ or at the very least, stress out parents as they watch their toddler explore further afield. My friend and I found our 2 year olds navigated the ladder to the slide well, and with assistance, took walks across a swing bridge. Itβs still a space to be wary of with toddlers but just not as scary as some.
Forgetting the toddlers for a moment though, your big kids will enjoy the monkey bars, climbing rope wall and merry-go-round, slippery dip, as well as the large expanse of lawn to kick a few balls around on.
There are a number of picnic benches and a clean wheelchair accessible toilet, so you can really settle in for a few hours and birthday parties at the park are quite common.
The shady street has plenty of on-road parks and the nearest coffee can be found about 500m away at the Sublime CafΓ© on the corner of East Ave and Mills Street β or grab one at one of the many coffee spots in the Goodwood area.
This playground review was written and photographed by Catherine Leo, professional family photographer and a Play & Go mum who regularly visits playgrounds with her children. See the Catherine Leo Photography website here and Facebook page here.
Editor’s note: Since this review there have been some changes to the play equipment following community engagement β including a new playhouse. Check out our review of the new, improved Dora Gild Playground.
For other great playgrounds for little ones see our post The Best Playgrounds for Toddlers.
What: Dora Gild Playground | Clarence Park
When: Any time
Where: Churchill Avenue, Clarence Park | Map
Who: Great for toddlers/Under 5s & older children too
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