The new Tomato Lake all-abilities playground has opened and it appears to be a big hit as it was very busy when we visited. The playground is in front between the cafe and the bbq picnic area.
The bbq area has also been refreshed with new picnic tables.
The playground has been designed to suit toddlers through to older kids, including those with disabilities. It is bright and colourful with soft fall base The playground features an inclusive seesaw, which is the only one of its kind in WA.
There are a number of bench seats along the car park side and lots of grassed area around the rest of the playground for you to put down a picnic rug and watch the playground.
In front of the bench seats there are some activities painted on the walkway encouraging jumping and hopping activities.
Our daughter enjoyed the climbing frame structure. The structure has lots of different ways to climb including rope ladders and net and a climbing wall. The climbing nets are across the top of the structure too so adventurous climbers can go up, across and down the other side.
The playground has a four swing set with four different swings. There is an all abilities swing, a baby swing, seated swing and a nest swing.
There is also still the larger net swing outside the main playground area closer to the lake.
The play structure is suited to younger children and has a couple of entry points including ramps, stepping stones, or climbing up the rope ladder or climbing wall. It suits younger children as there are little activities like a steering wheel or a clock along the walkways.
There is a small slide one side and a slightly longer enclosed side on another or another way down is on the fireman pole. There is room to play underneath with a spin wheel and noughts and crosses games at ground level.
Also around the playground are two little bouncing seats, a see saw, a Brail alphabet and number chart, musical pipes and a matching game.
There is a large spinning sphere which was very popular with children climbing inside and outside and hanging on while others spun it.
I think the new all-abilities playground will be very popular. The range of equipment allows both younger and slightly older children to enjoy this area making it a great spot for families.
The Tomato Lake kiosk and toilets are located adjacent to this playground. There is also lots of open grass space all around the reserve which makes it great for running around, ball games or a picnic.
The cafe is open Wednesday to Sunday 9am to 4pm. It does on public holidays but usually closes over the Christmas period. Also be aware it is cash only. It has offers coffee, cakes, ice cream, sandwiches, hot chips and has a special board of more substantial meals. They have some seating inside and lots of seating outside under the trees or umbrellas.
Close to the main playground are a number of picnic tables and BBQs under lovely big trees. These areas do get popular on weekends and are often used for birthday parties.
There is a 1.6km walkway all around the lake. If you do walk around you will find other play areas and exercise equipment. The pathway is suitable for bikes and scooters, but be aware it is also popular place to walk dogs and with people exercising.
Not far from the main playground is a set of swings and a Spiderman climbing frame. Both of these are sand based. The swings have a toddler and standard swing. The swings and climbing frame are under tree shade only.
The climbing frame playground has an rope bridge to climb up to the main climbing frame or there is a climbing wall which also leads to the main frame. After making your way through the climbing frame you can reach the slide. The kids loved the slide, which by all accounts was “fast”! This playground is suited older children as some aspects were difficult for younger children. The younger kids we were with enjoyed playing on the climbing wall, trying to reach the top and then sliding back down again.
Close to these is some exercise equipment and a basketball hoop.
Around the other side of the lake from the main playground is another smaller playground and picnic, BBQ area. There is a car park this side that is accessed from President St.
This playground is sand based and generally quieter than the main one. It has a playframe with slide, tunnel, climbing, swings (toddler and normal), and some sand play equipment. Miss 3 likes this playground and always wants to stop and play when we are walking or scooting around the lake. There is a bench seat on the edge of the playground.
Close to this playground is picnic tables and BBQ. There is also a large grassed area for ball games or picnic. There are also toilets on this side of the lake.
Part way round the lake walk there is a walkway and gazebo overlooking the lake. Good shortcut of little legs are getting tired. Offers a nice view of the lake and is a good place to view birds from.
All around the lake walk are bench seats, picnic benches, drink fountains with dog bowls and even other BBQ areas.
Tomato Lake really is a great space for all ages. When Miss 3 was a baby We used to meet as a mothers group there and go for a walk round the lake before having a coffee. Miss 3 always enjoys it whether we meet friends or go on our own.
It is a popular spot and can get busy on weekends and after school. Also be aware the reserve is not fenced around the road or the lake so it is important you keep an eye on young ones especially if they tend to wander.
Tomato Lake Reserve
Located Oats St Kewdale
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Place Categories: Scooter & Bike Parks, Walks and Picnic Spots, Fitness Equipment, Playgrounds, Near Cafes, Non Sand Based, With Shade, With Toilets, and Best for Toddlers
