The Whole World Is Our Playground: Playground Review Humbertown Park

I saw this newly built park on my way back from running errands and knew we needed to check it out before the snow flies. They were literally putting on the finishing touches and sanding the equipment while we played, it's that brand new!  While it always disappointments me when a new playground pops up moments before playground season comes to an end (this one was supposed to open Labour Day weekend), I'm still happy that another green space where I can walk my dog and play with my kids has come to our general area.

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 at multiplemomstrosity @ gmail.com

Exploring some of the structures

Park Name: 

Humbertown Park (Royal York & Dundas - 7 Wimbleton Road)

Parking:

There is some very limited free parking right beside the park, but there won't be a lot available in the summer once word gets out.  It's also steps away from the 40 Junction-Dundas West Bus stop which runs out of Kipling and Dundas West Station.

Theme of Park:

If IKEA and Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds worked together they would build this playground.

Balance beams and slides

Ground Coverage:
The playground has some shade coverage, soft wood chips and some rubberized landing areas to cushion any kid related falls, along with wide expanses of grass to play on.

Variety of Equipment for different ages:
Most equipment is designed for older kids (think age seven to eight and up unless your children are better, more confident climbers than mine are), but there are some slides (including some unusual ones), balance beams, spinners, and swings available to meet the needs of kids any age. There is a water fountain, but no bathroom or splash equipment.  

Kids enjoying the park before the storm came in

Best Parts of the Park:
The climbing equipment is amazing.  There is so much to do here.  The imagined 'ship' was Jack's favourite part of the structures, while Molly liked the balance beams to challenge her dad. There is a soccer field with bleachersjust below as well as rocks, and some accessible swing equipment. This park has all of the excitement of Jamie Bell playground but much better sight lines for parents who don't need to worry about losing their kids in the labyrinth or equipment.  Because the park is open I was able to take our dog for a walk around the park several times and still see the kids at all times.  

Another perspective of the climbers and slides

How Long My Kids Stayed to Play:

The kids played for about 45 minutes and would have stayed longer, but as you can see from my photos a storm was coming in and we had to leave.  There is a grocery store and some restaurants nearby on Dundas Street for anyone who would want to picnic here. Oh, and I forgot to mention - there is an outdoor ping pong table here as well!

Downfalls:
In the warmer weather I could see shade coverage being an issue (although the park plans posted on YouTube  show trees within the playground which may not have been planted yet or had lost all of their leaves). A public washroom or even port-o-john would make this park even better, as would additional parking.

Overall Rating:

I would rate this playground a 4.5 out of 5, particularly because this is one of the few playgrounds my kids can 'grow into' instead of age out of.  There is still plenty for little kids to do there too.  We will be back soon!

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The Whole World Is Our Playground: Playground Review Lora Hill Park

I can't believe it's been six months since we explored a new playground, and we couldn't wait for spring to come so we could start exploring again.  That's why we have visits to three new  on our seasonal bucket list.

We were headed to Oakville for some Easter Egg hunting with the cousins and grandparents and decided we should enjoy the weather and blow off some steam first.  Lora Hill was en route to the highway and had received solid online reviews from other people in the area so we decided to go and check it out.

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 at multiplemomstrosity @ gmail.com .

Big slides at Lora Hill Park

Park Name:

Lora Hill Park

Islington and Norseman (36 Fernalroy Avenue)

Parking:

There is free street parking on the streets around the park, with more available on weekends.  The park is a 17 minute walk from Islington subway station.

Theme of Park:

Modern playground with something for people of any age. 

Ground Coverage:

The playground is surrounded by grass and has sand around the majority of the equipment.

The mini climber and slide designed for kids 18 months to 5 years old

Variety of Equipment for different ages:

This playground caters to everyone.  Not only are there two different main play structure areas, one for little kids and one for bigger kids, but there is also a tennis court right beside the playground so older kids or adults with kids who are big enough to play more independently could take in a game while the little ones play.

Best Parts of the Park:

The set up of this park is great.  Everyone has been considered.  It is easy to supervise kids in multiple structures, even from the tennis courts which are excellently maintained.  There are trees all around to provide shade coverage in hot summer months.  There are covered areas for the sandboxes and some covered benches so a sprinkle of rain, or parent who wants a shady retreat can sit without a sunburn.  There are also some picnic benches.

Racing up "the mountain" to the big kid structure

Downfalls:

There are a number of abandoned toys in this park in bad repair.  Molly wanted to ride in a toy car, but two of its wheels were missing and it tipped over, this could be particularly dangerous for little ones who aren't going to watch for sharp edges on broken plastic etc.

Racing to the top of the triangle climber

Overall Rating:

I would rate this playground a 4.5 out of 5.  Chris and I really want to go back to try a game of tennis while the kids play.  Molly's favourite item in the park was the triangle climber that we all raced up and down several times.  Jack loved the big slides.  I have to admit these are the tallest slides I've ever seen at a park, and they were pretty cool, aside from a bit of static.  We will definitely return!

To view my playground review of the playground with the boat (Vermont Square) click here.

To view my playground review of Pricefield Road Playground click here.

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The Whole World Is Our Playground: Donnybrook Park

On the rare days where we have had rain in the forecast for Toronto we still try to get out.  This park review is from a couple of weeks ago when we rushed out for a quick play to beat the incoming storms.

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 at multiplemomstrosity @ gmail.com .

Park Name:

Donnybrook Park

Dundas and Montgomery (Just east of Islington)

Parking:

There is free street parking on Loyalist Road and Allanbrooke Drive (on either side of the park/parkette)

Theme of Park:

Classic playground in mini shady community based area. 

Ground Coverage:

The playground is surrounded by grass and has sand around the majority of the equipment.

Variety of Equipment for different ages:

This playground is great for little kids and is pretty much a toddler's paradise, with a big focus on smaller equipment for little kids.

Best Parts of the Park:

When your little ones are exploring the park there is a mini take a book, leave a book library located right beside the perfect reading bench.  A lot of buckets, shovels and other toys have been left for kids to play with, so this is a great, shade covered space to do some digging.

Lending Library

Downfalls:

This park is pretty small, and geared towards little ones.  Bigger kids will need to amp up their imaginations to avoid getting bored.  Molly utilize the base of the play structure as a pretend restaurant and spent most of her time serving pretend meals to patrons of the park.

Overall Rating:

I would rate this playground a 3 out of 5.  The kids had a lot of fun, but were a little old for the space, but at ages 2-4 they would have been in heaven.  Daddy monster spent a lot of time chasing Jackie around, but it was a nice, quiet, and safe space to wear off some energy before the storm hit, on our drive home.  I would go back again with slightly younger kids or a ball to enjoy some other playground play.

To view my playground review of the playground with the boat (Vermont Square) click here.

To view my playground review of Pricefield Road Playground click here.

To get access to the newest posts from Multiple Momstrosity and more on Facebook click here and follow today

Follow Multiple Momstrosity on Twitter @Sarabethbug

The Whole World is Our Playground: Fairfield Park

It was a beautiful weekend and we were fortunate enough to get a lot of outdoor time with the little ones.  On Saturday, as a break from some errands in the west end of the city, we decided to check out Fairfield Park.

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:

Fairfield Park (90 Lothian Avenue) - Near Islington and Bloor

Parking:

There is limited street parking at no cost on weekends.  This park is highly transit accessible and a 13 minute stroll from Islington Subway Station. 

Theme of Park:

This park was, until recently, a vacant lot that was simply used as a green space.  In 2010 the Toronto District School Board wanted to sell it for eight million dollars.  Thanks to vocal members of the community the park is now a real playground characterised by bright neon colours (reminiscent of Miami Vice). 

Ground Coverage:

Large wood chips.  Surrounded by green area.

Variety of Equipment for different ages:

This is a great playground for younger kids.  I'd say ideal for kids six and under.  For older kids, maybe bring some badminton rackets, a Frisbee or soccer ball so you can enjoy some of the green space around the playground and keep everyone entertained.

Best Parts of the Park:

There are two unique play structures (or castles as Molly likes to call them) both with slides.  The park is also equipped with a small splash pad with a giant palm tree and butterfly that spray water in the summer months.  There is a raised sandbox with a handful of toys, but you're probably best suited to bring your own shovel and bucket.

Downfalls:

The equipment is modern and nice, but there isn't a ton of variety.  While there are very small trees planted in the area there is very little shade coverage anywhere around the playground or splash pad.  Even with re-applying sunscreen I could see little faces turning pink after only half an hour and we had to call it a day.  The kids were starting to get bored (especially with the splash pad not active) and didn't object much. 

Overall Rating:

This is a great local park to unwind at, particularly if you live in the area and have younger kids.  Just remember to bring sunblock and hats, even on an over-cast day! 3.0/5.

To read my review of west end Lakeshore area Marie Curtis Park click here.

To read my review of west end Jeff Healey Park click here.

To read my review from downtown park KEW Gardens click here.

To get access to the newest posts from Multiple Momstrosity and more on Facebook click here and follow today!