Somerly Park, Clarkson

Leafy Somerly Park in the northern suburb of Clarkson features a bright playground suitable for kids of all ages, including traditional play equipment mixed with some sensory play.

On arriving and walking down the path and under a tall gazebo to the playground, the first things to grab Miss 4’s attention was the musical play equipment. A board with different shapes to drum on and chiming pipes of different heights and pitch stand at one end along with two spring rockers and a spinning toy.

From here, she began exploring the main play structure, starting with the rubber swinging platforms. These wobbled a lot and took a lot of balance to get across with some Tarzan-style swinging maneuvers involved. From here Miss 4 was able to climb some stairs and cross a ladder-style bridge to a higher platform and a wooden bridge.

Across the wooden bridge, she found some educational games to play with. One involved going through and putting the dots next to the correct weather for the day. Another involved putting the correct number figure next to the word for the number. Miss 4 really enjoyed the challenge and it tied in with themes she’s been learning at kindy.

From here, she was able to come down a curly slide and discovered some colourful flowers. The centres of these flowers spin and cause optical illusions with their patterns, and Miss 4 found these fascinating.

Other play equipment at Somerly Park includes a big rope spider web, a wooden climbing or abseiling wall with a chain, monkey bars and a flying fox. Miss 4 enjoyed the challenge of walking across a rope bridge, and playing pirates and racing cars with other children using a telescope and a steering wheel mounted on the upper platforms.

The playground here is covered by a large shade sail which covers most of the equipment. We visited in the late morning and found the slide and the metal platforms cool for little hands and bottoms. Also, if you’re not a huge fan of sand, this playground is for you as there is no sand in sight. Just rubbery softfall to cushion any tumbles.

Adjacent to the playground we found a paved barbecue area with two picnic tables. While not shaded, this area would still be great for a family barbecue or a casual birthday party. There’s also nothing to say that you couldn’t bring down your own folding tables and chairs and set up under the shady gazebo.

Beyond the barbecue area, there is a large grassed area perfect for kicking a ball around or running around with your fur kid. It stretched out a fair way toward Somerly Primary, and you could probably even manage a small game of cricket.

We also found a tree-lined path on the other side of the playground running along to along smaller playground across the side road, Las Ramblas Park.

This smaller park is older and features a climbing structure with a straight slide, a climbing wall, fireman’s pole and ladders. There is also a rope web with a rubber mat in the centre. Miss 4 enjoyed the challenge of climbing onto this, but it was rather hot with no shading. The only shading comes from the well-established trees and would be dependent on the time of day. But it was a nice walk, or you could go between the two playgrounds with the kids on scooters or bikes.

All in all, we enjoyed our visit to Somerly Park. The only thing missing was a public toilet. Otherwise, it had something to suit most kids.

Somerly Park

Located on the corner of Somerly Drive and Celebration Turn, Clarkson.

Street parking is available on both Somerly Drive and Celebration Turn.

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