Strive Loop, Girrawheen, City Of Wanneroo

Strive Park, Girrawheen

Strive Park is a small park located in the Blackmore Park Estate, in Girrawheen. The playground here features nature play elements, some traditional play elements, and a bike and scooter track. It’s sure to be a hit with the kids!

Miss 6 loved the traditional part of the playground first. She headed straight for the swings and climbing equipment. There are three swings available. Two regular swings and a birds nest swing.

Adjacent to the swing are wooden climbing poles with foot hold pegs. These are quite tall and great for kids who enjoy climbing.

On exploring a little more, we discovered a plaque explaining the origins of the park. The Blackmore Park Estate was built on the site where the Blackmore Primary School stood from 1971 to 2008. This school closed when it amalgamated with Girrawheen Primary. The park, and the Loop it’s located on, is now named after the school’s motto: ‘To Strive’.

As a result the wooden play elements are made from recycled timber. Wooden stumps are used for balancing beams for example. On the other hand, other stumps were used to create ‘Hobbit holes’ or fairy houses. These are great for climbing and playing, and they spark the imagination.

The living trees in the park also have signs with their names. This includes their familiar common names, their latin names and their Nyoongar names.

Similarly, a hopscotch grid on the footpath is a delightful nod to school yard games.

The other big hit with Miss 6 was the scooter and bike track. This has stop signs marked on the footpath as well as arrows directing where to go. Miss 6 enjoyed zooming around and pretending I was a police officer chasing her. Another family walked down during our visit, and their children also enjoyed riding bikes.

One of the things I love about Strive Park is that it’s shaded for the most part. The swings have a large shade sail covering them, and beautiful old trees shade the nature play area. The park also doesn’t have sand. There’s paths or wood chips. So, if you’re like me and dislike taking home half a sandpit in your kids shoes, this playground will make your little heart sing!

If you’re spending a bit of time here and bring snacks, there is a picnic table available. There’s also bench seating dotted around. However, the park doesn’t have toilets. So if you’re toilet training, it’s maybe best to keep visits short.

We found this park delightful. This park is peaceful. I loved that I heard the local bird life. The respect to the area’s history and to nature was lovely to see. Miss 6 enjoyed herself, so we’ll be sure to head back again soon!