Everyone loves a great playground, right? With over 25 per cent of households having young children in Western Sydney, there’s a growing need for great play spaces. One landmark playground destination for families located in South Western Sydney is Howard Park in Gregory Hills.
Designed by local landscape architecture firm distinctive living design, Howard Park has been created for maximum fun and is also a public art sculptural installation. Based on the ridgeline of the nearby Scenic Hills, this public park encourages you to climb, explore, roll and slide up and down the slopes that echo the nearby dominant landform.
Howard Park encourages memory making, a little bit of a thrill and active outdoor play, while also acting as an impressive, colourful, and creative art form for all passers-by to enjoy.
Importantly, the playground is created for all-abilities and has a number of carefully thought-out spaces to suit children of different ages and abilities, making it very inclusive.
One defining obstacle is the bright yellow climbing net ‘anemone’ which dominates one side of the park. The first of its kind in Australia, it’s the kind of play equipment that children sprint to and immediately try to master. Open to imagination, kids (and adults) can climb over, under, and around this unique climbing structure. With protective foam matting around the play area, the force of any tumbles will be absorbed, making for a safe but thrilling activity.
Set in the Teletubbies-like hills are three metal slides which excite any child’s sense of thrill. There are also swings of all shapes and sizes. Children also love climbing underneath the hills through tunnels that span the whole hill. The kids will be kept entertained non-stop.
The designers have also seamlessly integrated a multi-use hardcourt for basketball, soccer, table tennis and roller sports – topping off the play options for older children.
For the toddlers, there is a fenced-off area which includes a sandpit, slide, and log garden all designed for safety and inquisitive play.
Tying the whole park together is a professional eye for landscaping. With garden beds and shady trees, Howard Park is surrounded by greenery and nature. The bright red and yellow shade sails also mean that the park is all-season friendly, so children are well protected from the sun.
With a range of play options for very young children, to the not-so-young, Howard Park has clearly been designed for the people of Western Sydney. The weekend crowd it attracts from across the South-West is only a natural result of such a quality playground perfect for families.
It is one of many projects that distinctive have designed and created in Western Sydney. You’ll see their work in many of your favourite pubs, clubs, public parks and playgrounds, sporting complexes, and places where you can discover meaningful, intelligent public art.
So check out Howard Park, it’s simply a must-visit in Western Sydney.
Proudly presented by distinctive living design