The Whole World is Our Playground: Sherwood Park

This is another Toronto playground that was recommended to us by our sitter A as a must visit.  Before the temperatures drop too much for monkey bars, we decided to try to fit a few more field trips out to explore some more of the best our city has to offer. 

My park review disclaimer: If you don't live in the area I hope you enjoy the pics and can use some of the ideas to inspire and explore in your own city. If you have any recommendations for great playgrounds (or new criteria I haven't thought of) please post a comment on this post or email me.

Park Name:

Sherwood Park

Location:

Sherwood Avenue (Near Mount Pleasant and Eglinton)

Parking:

There is a decent amount of parking by the park, but I imagine it would be busier in the peak of the summer when the splash pad is also open and more challenging than it was for us on a sunny autumn Saturday.  The playground is a 20 minute walk from Eglinton Subway Station.

 

Theme of Park:
Nature meets urban playground in uptown Toronto.

Ground Coverage:
Wood chips surrounded by green park land.

Variety of Equipment for different ages:
This park has playground equipment for all ages with a big focus on little ones.  There were a lot of smaller slides, bridges, swings and ladders for wee ones with two pieces of equipment designed for older kids including a mini climbing wall ideal for climbing beginners and mini monkey bar zip line.  There is one of the biggest splash pads I've seen available for use during summer months.  Most of the children around the play area ranged from one to five years old.

Best Part(s) of the Park:
This playground is fantastic for little ones because of the age appropriate equipment and how friendly the other parents and children were.  I've never seen Molly and Jack play so much and be so welcomed by kids they do not know.  The park also has some nature paths for adults and older kids to explore.  There are change rooms in the summer for the splash pad.

Downfalls:
Older kids might get bored and need to explore other parts of the park (like the trails) which makes it hard if your trying to supervise kids of a variety of ages.  While we were there, a six year old girl complained to us that all of the kids in the park were too little for her to play with. 

Molly beside the bull rushes from the splash pad

Overall Rating:
I rate this playground a 4.5/5  based on the age of my kids, although it may remain a favourite if  Molly and Jack develop their parents love of hiking.  We will definitely try and come back next summer and explore the splash pads and trails using either the carriers or letting the kids toddle along beside us. 

To read my review of Jeff Healey Playground click here

To read my review of Marie Curtis Playground click here

To read my review of Dufferin Grove Playground click here

To read my review of Neshama Playground click here

To read my review of Vermont Square Playground click here