The Manning Community Hub, Manning

The Manning Community Hub opened in early 2017 and includes two new play areas. The “Hub” is located on the edge of James Miller Oval so there is also plenty of open grass to run and play on.

We met some friends there for a morning play. The kids decided they wanted to try the playground on the far side of the oval first so they were off across the grass. This playground included swings, slides, lots of climbing ropes, monkey bars and a bouncy surfboard and is probably most suited to the 3+ age group.

There is an area at the back that was suitable for the younger children, with bongo drums and coloured balls which kept our young friend busy.

Miss 3 and her friend enjoyed this playground especially all the different climbing ropes and walls.

This playground has a bit of everything for the kids, with different levels depending on the ability of the kids. There are two slides, one small one accessed by a small set of stairs or a larger windy one that was accessed by rock climbing wall, rope bridge or a climbing wall and stepping stone bridge.

It is set out so there was plenty of room in the sand area for the kids to chase and play hide and seek under the structures.

The only parts of this play area they couldn’t do on their own was the monkey bars.

As well as the main play structure there is a set of swings, with one toddler swing and one normal swing, a see-saw and a bouncy surfboard.

One side of the play area was shaded naturally by trees. This side also had a wall which we used to sit on as there weren’t any benches or seats. The kids had a few snacks and drink sat on the wall then decided it was time to try the other playground.

Back across the oval. It was now getting a bit sunnier but this play area had shade sails covering most the play area.

This play area is suited to the younger ones with a small play structure, a digger, a bouncy bug and a circle swing.

There is a small slide at one end, a tunnel, a small climbing ramp and two bongo drums. There are a small table and chairs with different shapes cut out the table for sand play in one corner.

The kids had fun on the digger trying to dig holes and playing in the sand.

Again the were no benches or seats but a low wall that we sat on and watched as the kids explored.

Unisex toilets located outside on the lower level of the main hub building. There is also a lift from the oval level up to the library level if you want to combine your play with a visit to the library, perhaps rhyme time or story time.

We finished off the morning by taking a short walk up Bradshaw Crescent to Welwyn Ave to The Cutlery Drawer for a coffee and some lunch. The cafe had room for our pram, served babychinos with marshmallows and they were happy to prepare a simple toasted cheese sandwich for Miss 3.

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