Payneham Oval Playground
This is one of our favourite playgrounds in Adelaide and if you haven’t discovered it, we think it’s well worth a trip. Kids of all ages will love Payneham Oval Playground – there’s heaps to keep them busy and the play equipment is designed to be innovative and inclusive.
Set on the corner of Arthur and John Street in Payneham, Payneham Oval Playground has a couple of different play spaces to check out and there’s enough room for everyone. It’s also surrounded by grassed areas and would be a great spot for a birthday party or a picnic.
Playground equipment at Payneham Oval Playground
This playground received a major upgrade in 2015 and we think it looks fantastic.
The redevelopment included:
- water play elements including pump, trough and water table
- a rope bridge
- a sandpit
- climbing mounds with tunnels
- a hill with a wide slide
- toilet facilities
- fitness equipment
- hard surface basketball/netball ring
- a filtered water fountain
- sheltered bench and table areas that are perfect for picnics / BBQs or birthday parties
What our playground testers thought of Payneham Oval Playground
Excitement among the troops was at fever pitch the first time we drove here to meet friends for a play. The playground looks very enticing from a distance with the brightly coloured puzzle piece theme, the variety of play equipment and the beautiful landscaping.
Our kids leapt out of the car and ran over to explore the tunnels and climbing elements. A few hours later and we had to prise them away from the playground, promising we’d come back soon. They spent the better part of two hours racing about and constantly moving. There have been several repeat visits, and it’s one of the places our kids love coming back to, and always ask about.
If you have big kids who love a good playground then we think you’ll love this one.
The birds nest swing
Our kids love the birds nest swing, whether it’s lying down relaxing on it or challenging themselves to balance on it.
The older playground equipment
It’s shaded and there’s plenty of opportunities for climbing – this got a big thumbs-up from our kids.
Water play elements and sandpit
There’s a water wheel that pours water into a little ‘creek’, which was a real hit with the smaller kids, as was the digger.
Rope bridge
Climbing mounds with tunnel
The climbing mound has a soft rubberised surface which is great as it seemed to be a magnet for my overly-confident toddler.
The tunnel is lots of fun to run, ride or scooter through or climb over.
Fitness equipment
Hard surface basketball/netball ring
Older kids may want to bring a basketball to practise some shooting and some cool moves.
Sheltered areas for picnics/BBQs
Swings including an all-abilities swing and a toddler swing
Things to consider
β€οΈ Keep a close eye on your toddler – Payneham Oval Playground is not fenced. However it is really good fun for little people so we recommend you kick that ‘parent radar’ into gear and go anyway.
β€οΈ There are some bark chips on the ground so if your little person likes to put everything and anything in their mouth you might want to keep an eye on this.
β€οΈ Parking is either on the street, or you can access Payneham Oval playground from the Oval carpark – each time we’ve visited there’s been plenty of parks.
β€οΈ The day we took the photos was overcast and a bit chilly, but on a hot sunny day there are a few shade sails over some but not all of the equipment so bring sunblock and hats.
β€οΈ There’s not a lot of seating for adults aside from the picnic tables. There are some biggish rocks on the edge of the garden which you could perch on, or if you’re chasing after a toddler you probably won’t get to sit down much anyway!
Location:
Cnr of John & Arthur Streets, Payneham | map
Payneham Oval Playground Redevelopment
The Payneham Oval Playground was redeveloped by the City of Norwood Payneham St Peters and by LCS Landscapes who are responsible for the development of some of our favourite Adelaide parks and playgrounds including the Adelaide Zoo Nature’s Playground, Hart’s Mill, Bonython Park Activity Hub, Victoria Park, Hazelwood Park Playspace, and Cobbler Creek Playspace.
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About Susannah: Iβm a mum to three boys and a little girl and I am learning to embrace the chaos. I love my morning coffee, exercise, cranking up some good tunes on the stereo, and heading away to new places on holiday. Originally from New Zealand, I now call Adelaide home and I love getting out and about and exploring all the fabulous things for families to do in Adelaide.
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.
All photos are by Play & Go.
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