Orphanage Park | Millswood
by Catherine Leo
This popular, leafy playground just behind Tabor College on Goodwood Road is one of those real winners for all ages. “Everyone can have fun” said my 10 year old as he explored all corners of it, with his 3 & 8 year old brothers.
Some of the standout features for me were the amount of trees and native plants throughout, which when combined with the sails above the equipment provided not only shade, but also opportunities for tree climbing as part of the play. There are lots of different textures and undulating surfaces, as well as bridges, which give kids a feeling of exploration and discovery. Soft springy matting underneath the equipment is great for the little ones too.
There is a double-sided rock wall which my bigger kids loved (with included a more simple ladder that the little brother used) and also another toddler climbing wall as part of a slippery dip piece of equipment so he got to extend himself too.
The large tyre swing hanging from chains in a fenced area was fantastic for putting a few kids on and having them glide through the air.
There is a bike track throughout the playground and the adjacent tennis court also seemed popular for wheels, when it wasn’t being used. Having a netted tennis court in a public space is quite an attraction too!
Art is a key part of this park, interspersed with the native landscaping, it looks fantastic. There were plenty of spots to sit and gather with other parents, with 4 table/benches and other seating too, as well as grassed areas to picnic or to use one of the BBQs.
A local parent remarked to me that it feels spacious yet is small enough that you can’t lose the kids, and that there is plenty of room on spongey matting for the crawlers to get around easily.
I also want to mention the adjacent park which my kids really enjoyed using for running over little hills and kicking the soccer ball. It’s a leash-free dog park which probably requires a little bit of caution, but could also add lots of entertainment for some families.
This is a great park to consider after a movie at the Capri… take a picnic and let the kids run wild! There’s also plenty of great coffee within walking distance on Goodwood Road with cafes like Trouble and Strife and Ginger’s Coffee Lounge.
Highly recommend it for all ages, and a great space for the adults too.
Orphanage Playground Summary
- Fully fenced
- Toilets just outside the fence
- Plenty of shady trees
- Suitable for all ages
- BBQ and picnic tables/benches
- Tennis courts
- Bike track for little wheels through the playground
- Park adjacent to playground for ball games etc
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For more information and all enquiries please visit the City of Unley website.
What: Orphanage Park
When: Anytime
Where: Mitchell Street, Millswood | Map
Who: Playground Lovers
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.
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: All photos by Play & Go
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