The playground at Freya St Reserve has never been a big one. In fact, I’ve run past this spot at least twenty times and have never once realised there was a playground right there.
In fairness, it’s set back from the street. You can enter via Freya St or Anitra Avenue and there’s typically on-street parking on both sides. Some of the locals might be a bit disappointed that the Council didn’t take the opportunity to expand the play area but it’s plenty big enough for toddlers- so long as too many families don’t show up at once.
They’ve done a reasonable job at maximising the previous play space. The original baby swing and standard platform swing are still in place but are now set on synthetic softball turf.
Also on the turf is a stand-and-spin ride and a set of two talking tubes.
The main play gym in the park is set on bark. It includes a small slide, some dramatic play “traffic lights” and steering wheels, a shop set up and a wall of spinning discs.
There’s also a large rocking ride (that would fit four young children), talking tubes, stumps for jumping on and log balance beams.
With a fence around the whole area, you can relax and watch from one of two park benches while the kids make their way from one attraction to the next.
You’ve probably already gathered that this park is one best suited to very young children (three and under, is our recommendation). The great thing about it, though, is that even if you think you probably won’t get long out of your kids here, you’re only a three-minute walk from Kareela Shopping Village.
So if you have a toddler and are looking for a multi-purpose adventure out on a quiet morning, here’s an easy plan of attack:
Park at the shops, grab a coffee from Howling Forest, walk up to the park and let the little one burn off some energy; walk back and tick off your grocery list at Kareela Grocer, Stapleton’s Meats and Bella Seafood, grab lunch to go (options include: Portico Chicken, Tanoshi Sushi Bar, Koh Samet Thai or Jensens) and head home to put your youngster down for a midday nap while you enjoy your takeaway.
Got older kids? Have a browse through some of our other Sutherland Shire playground reviews.
