Walter Day Park

Walter Day Park is a brilliant family Playground nestled within the St Leonards Private Estate at the gateway to the Swan Valley. Set off Arthur Street in Dayton, this neighbourhood park combines a big, castle‑style play structure with plenty of green open space, making it a great stop before or after exploring the nearby Swan Valley attractions. The estate itself has been designed around community parks and Playgrounds, so this spot really is the heart of the local area.

The Playground is divided into two main zones – one aimed at older, more confident climbers and another that is perfect for toddlers and younger children. The central feature is a large fort‑style structure with turrets and lookouts at different levels. Children can climb up and survey their “kingdom” from the top, spotting friends on the swings, scooters zipping along the paths or a family picnic set up on the grass. The fort is accessed via a generous ramp, which is wide enough for prams and offers easier access for children and carers with mobility needs.

As you wander up the ramp, there’s loads to keep little hands busy. At toddler height you’ll find bongo drums, steering wheels and other interactive panels, so even children who don’t want to climb high still feel involved in the play. These sensory elements are great for imaginative games – steering the “ship”, banging out a rhythm or chatting through the different play panels.

For older kids who prefer a challenge, there are more adventurous ways to reach the top of the fort. A climbing wall lets children test their strength and coordination, and once they’re up high they can choose how to come back down – via the super‑fast main slide, a fireman’s pole or by tackling the rope bridge.

The rope bridge is a big hit with school‑aged kids who love the slight wobble and the feeling of being up high. Parents of younger or less confident children may want to stay close here, as the bridge is elevated.

Slides are well covered for all ages. Little ones have their own lower‑level double slide, which means siblings can slide side by side or carers can sit alongside a nervous toddler. Having both “big” and “small” slide options works really well for families with a mix of ages, so no one feels left out.

Another favourite piece of equipment is the spinning wheel – always a crowd‑pleaser, whether children are taking turns pushing each other round or seeing how long they can balance as it spins.

The dedicated toddler area is set slightly apart from the main structure, which helps keep younger children out of the busiest spaces. Here you’ll find a smaller slide with gentle ramp access, so toddlers can confidently walk or crawl their way up. The space is simple but effective, and because the main fort, swings and green space are all close by, it’s easy for carers to keep an eye on siblings in different areas.

Swing lovers are well catered for. There are two bucket‑seat swings for babies and toddlers, two standard flat‑seat swings, and a birds‑nest swing that can be shared by a couple of children at once. 

Nearby paths looping around the park are popular with kids on bikes and scooters, giving them another way to burn off energy while staying close to the main play areas.

The main play structure benefits from natural shade provided by mature trees, which helps keep the fort and some of the surrounding sand and surfaces cooler. However, the toddler area and swing zone are more exposed. On hot summer days it’s worth planning your visit for earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon, packing hats and sunscreen, and checking the temperature of metal slides and swings before little bottoms sit down. 

Around the Playground there’s a large, well‑kept grassed area that’s ideal for ball games, frisbee, or just letting kids run. This open space, combined with the paths circling the park, makes Walter Day Park a good spot for bikes and scooters as well as traditional Playground fun.

Facilities are a real plus here. The park includes sheltered picnic tables, barbecues and public toilets, making it easy to stay for a longer play or organise a casual family catch‑up. The park is not fenced, so carers will want to keep a close eye on toddlers and children who like to wander, but traffic in the immediate estate streets is generally local and not overly busy.

Set within the broader St Leonards Private Estate, the park sits just minutes from the Swan Valley, Guildford and Midland, and around 20 minutes’ drive from the Perth CBD. That makes it a convenient stop on a Swan Valley day out – you can let the kids have a big play before or after visiting local cafes, wineries or family attractions in the region.

Overall, Walter Day Park is a fantastic all‑rounder Playground. With a mix of accessible ramped play, challenging climbing elements, toddler‑friendly equipment, plenty of swings, toilets and picnic facilities, plus a big grassy oval, it’s an easy park to recommend for families with children from toddlers right up to primary school age.

Walter Day Park

Address: Arthur Street, St Leonards Private Estate, Dayton (Swan Valley), WA 6055
Website: City of Swan – Walter Day Park

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