Playtime at Walter Padbury Park is wonderfully inclusive, with an all-abilities Playground set within the large district reserve in the heart of Thornlie. The reserve itself features three expansive sporting ovals catering for soccer, cricket and AFL, complete with practice cricket nets and club facilities, making it a brilliant destination for both active kids and families who want space to spread out.
The fully fenced all-abilities Playground sits on soft-fall rubber flooring, creating a safe, comfortable surface for wheels and little feet.
A standout feature is the ground-level, seated flying fox, designed so that children of all abilities can join in the fun and experience the thrill of “flying” along the track.
Nearby, you’ll spot a spring rocker with a wider seat and full back support to help children sit securely and comfortably while they bounce.
Swing lovers are well catered for with an all-abilities harness seat that provides extra support, as well as a unity swing that allows a parent and child, or two children, to swing together and share the experience.
Inclusive spinning fun continues with an accessible carousel and an inground trampoline, both great for kids who enjoy motion-based play but need easy, ground-level access.
The main Playground structure offers ramp access, leading to a range of sensory and play panels that invite kids to touch, spin, listen and explore.
For little adventurers who enjoy climbing, there’s also the option to reach the structure via a small climbing wall, a fireman’s pole with steps and a balancing beam.
The decked areas are spacious, giving room for wheelchairs and walkers to manoeuvre, and children can whizz back down via a tunnel slide or a gentle toddler-friendly slide.
Underneath the structure, children will discover a pretend shop corner that’s perfect for imaginative games, social play and even a secret hideout during a round of hide and seek.
Scattered throughout the Playground you’ll also find musical play equipment, a large matching puzzle and talking tubes, encouraging kids to experiment with sound, communication and problem solving.
Just beyond the fenced all-abilities area is a smaller Playground with more challenging rope climbing elements, ideal for children who love to climb and test their balance.
This zone includes a nest swing and the ever-popular dino digging pit, complete with a dinosaur skeleton to uncover – don’t forget to pack buckets and spades for enthusiastic little palaeontologists.
Older children can tackle the big rope climbing net set over sand; keep in mind this area is not shaded, so hats, sunscreen and plenty of water are essential on sunny days.
Facilities at Walter Padbury Park are thoughtfully planned for families. Accessible toilets and parking are located close to the Playground, and there are shaded BBQs and seating areas that make it easy to settle in for a picnic or birthday gathering. The surrounding ovals provide loads of room to kick a footy, throw a frisbee or run off extra energy, while the network of connecting paths around the reserve is ideal for bikes, scooters and prams.
Overall, Walter Padbury Park offers an inviting, inclusive play space where children of all ages and abilities can play side by side, and families can enjoy a relaxed day out in a spacious, green setting.
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Walter Padbury Playground
Address: Walter Padbury Park, Cassidy Road, Thornlie WA 6108
Official website: City of Gosnells – Walter Padbury Park
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Place Categories: All Abilities, Fenced, Nature, Playgrounds, With Shade, With Toilets, and Best for Toddlers
