Neil McDougall Park is a leafy park with a great playground for kids of all ages in the heart of Como.
The first thing that grabbed Miss 3’s attention when we arrived here was the flying fox. This has a small platform to climb up and launch from. With a bit of help from me, she had several rides. She loved it! Smiles all around when she hopped off.
The next things that we noticed was the nature play and rope play area adjacent to the flying fox. The next nearest equipment was a rope and chain spinner for climbing up. It was a bit too quick for Miss 3’s liking and she got frustrated trying to get up, but slightly older, more patient kids would enjoy the challenge of climbing it I think.
Next to the spinner were some speaking tubes which connect to others in the park, and some colourful balls. One of these balls spins when you sit on it. Can you guess which one? It was a delightful surprise to discover.
Miss 3 loved the rope structure. There’s loads to do in this for all ages. The web with a tunnel was a big hit with Miss 3, as was the climbing web leading up to a slide. She quite liked the wobbly spring balancing board too.
For bigger kids, there are more challenging loops and hanging rings to swing from, as well as some more tricky rope bridges. Miss 3 was curious about some orange hoops suspended on ropes to climb through, but wasn’t quite tall enough to get her legs up and over.
In addition to the slide on the rope structure, there is another smaller one in a sandpit for smaller children who may not want to climb up. This has a swing set next door, as well as a sand table, a digger and a rocker. It would be a great spot to bring down a bucket and spade or some toy trucks for a dig around.
Nearby to the sandpit we found spinning ring and a birds nest style swing. Miss 3 had a lovely time swinging on the swing and talking to a little boy she made friends with.
Close by to the playground we spots plenty of picnic tables and barbecues. Public toilets are also close by. With such handy facilities, it would be a great spot for a family get together, a birthday party or a picnic with friends.
One thing to be aware of with Neil McDougall park is that there is open water nearby in the middle of the park. This has water birds such as ducks and morehens living on it who wander about, who could possibly tempt little ones to wander.
While the park doesn’t have shade sails, we found it was fairly well shaded by the huge old tree that surround the area. I imagine it could get a little warm around midday when the sun is high, but for our visit in the morning it was perfect.
While wandering the path along the lake, we discovered boards with short poems by local writers, some related to water, others not. We also found some beautiful mosaicked poles next to the playground featuring pictures by local kids. Miss 3 thought these were pretty special!
Overall, we thought Neil McDougall Park was fantastic and spent a good couple of hours playing and exploring. A lot of thought seems to have gone into creating the play area, and it seems to have something to suit active kids of all ages.
Neil McDougall Park is located at 20 Clydesdale Street, Como. The playground is right in the middle of the park, well away from the roads, and free parking bays are available on Ley Street.
Why not stop into Esther Cafe for a coffee and cake or take away snack? They’re just 6 minutes away on Preston Street, Como. Or alternatively, Ley Street Cafe is located nearby in Manning Road, Manning.
Find more playgrounds in Perth
[wpautbox authorid=”8″]
Location
Member Reviews
Place Categories: Scooter & Bike Parks, Playgrounds, Near Cafes, and With Toilets
