Parklands and Playgrounds of Stockland Elara Marsden Park

When you have an available weekend every now and then, finding fun, affordable things to do close to home is always a nice surprise. COVID-19 has changed the landscape of life for many people in different ways, so the task of constantly keeping busy – and happily entertained – can be a barrier in itself, especially when you can’t travel too far either.

As I explore near by suburbs, a bonus is when activities are free. And my gosh, if you ever visit the Stockland Elara Marsden Park NSW area, there are several free recreational parklands, playgrounds and outdoor activities all within close proximity of each other. I have never experienced this many parks in the one suburb ever – and boy, I’m impressed.

Plus, if you’re wanting to bring your dog, you’ll be pleased to know all of these parks are dog friendly, as long as your dog remains on a lead, and you bring a bag to pick up any business along the way.

Livvi’s Place Elara playground

Car park available on the corner of Northbourne Drive and Elara Boulevard; and the corner of Greygum Terrace and Elara Boulevard; in addition to street parking. During the weekends, the car parks can become full, so I’d suggest finding street parking in lieu.

Let’s talk about Marsden Park’s feature playground; Livvi’s Place Elara. Home to a fully-fenced, all inclusive, wheelchair accessible playground, Livvi’s Place Elara is one of the most interactive children’s parks that I have ever seen.

This is the perfect, family friendly playground for kids of all different ages. Expect to find a water play zone (currently closed due to COVID-19), sway fun glider, trampoline loop, flying fox, climb netting, see-saws, slides, swing and an all abilities carousel and dutch disk. Plus noise travelling steel drums, tubular bells and talking tubes – all packed with loads of fun.

There’s also a kids bike and scooter track which comes with street signs, zebra crossings, and a wave ramp. Plus, there’s a mini play petrol station which adds to all the more fun and real life experience (maybe not for a push bike, but you know what I mean).

And for those wanting to host a lunch or afternoon gathering, you’ll find a pair of BBQ facilities in this playground, with toilet facilities located in the main sports fields, just a 100m walk away.

Shaded seating is available next to the BBQ area too.

Elara Oval and Sporting Fields

Car park available on the corner of Northbourne Drive and Elara Boulevard; and the corner of Greygum Terrace and Elara Boulevard; in addition to street parking. During the weekends, the car parks can become full, so I’d suggest finding street parking in lieu.

For the sports enthusiasts, adjoining Livvi’s Place Elara playground is a large, two oval football field and cricket ground. Several sports are played here of an evening and on the weekends, including soccer too (season dependant).

You’ll also find a half basketball court, a handful of skate facilities including skateboard rails, an open ended cricket cage, and a flat, bike circuit path around the outskirts of the sporting fields.

This parkland is great for picnics, ball games, plenty of running, and just for anyone who wants to be out and about.

So if you’re planning a park visit to Marsden Park, it’s an absolute must for you to bring all the gadgets that you can muster – and fit – into your car; a bike, scooter, basketball, cricket gear, or simply good walking shoes and a rug to find a spot on the grass. Oh, and a hat too as there’s not a lot of shade in the sporting fields.

And, don’t forget, your dog is more than welcome to join you too in Marsden Park.

Barrallier Drive Park

Street parking available on the corner of Barrallier Drive and Hookins Avenue.

This is a much smaller playground and park. It has a fairly steep rocket slide, which I’d recommend for much older kids as there’s some climbing required. Otherwise, there is a sandpit with balancing logs and swing. There’s also a shaded seating area, with nearby open green fields – an excellent spot to play ball with kids.

Corner of Abell Road and Farlow Parade park

Street parking available on the corner of Abell Road and Farlow Parade.

Another new park in the area, with play equipment for children to suit the younger ages. You’ll also find exercise equipment in a separate section away from the playground area. Plus, plenty of green fields to run and play with kids.

There is also a pair of BBQ facilities in this playground.

Lake Melonba

Street parking available along Pratia Crescent; Sundew Parade; Betula Parade; and Meehan Terrace (several entry points to this parkland area).

This man-made lake and water catchment area is a great spot to walk around. With over 7km of continuous bike paths and walking trails, Lake Melonba offers you different vantage points all around.

There are pedestrian bridges you can cross between, and small green fields and parklands that you can briefly stop at during your walk.

And for those that are keen to exercise, you’ll find outdoor fitness equipment for you to use along the way.

Corner of Meehan Terrace and John Black Drive park

Street parking available on Meehan Terrace and John Black Drive.

This parkland is the perfect bike and scooter track for young kids to practice riding, and connects on to the larger Lake Melonba bike paths.

Long and narrow, this park has plenty of grassed areas with a snake-like, flat, footpath. There’s no play equipment here, however it’s a nice spot to pull up a rug and relax in the sun when you can. It is also the secret park to view beautiful, pink floral blooms when in season (around August/September).

Limestone Cafe Elara and, Barrett Street Park

Car parking available on the corner of Watkin Crescent and Elara Boulevard (Stockland Elara Display Village & Sales Centre); in addition to street parking.

A good coffee in hand, with kids playground entertainment is always a bonus. Open daily, Limestone Cafe Elara is the perfect spot to sit and relax, or grab a quick bite to eat, with the option for your children to have some fun too. Toilet facilities are also available next to the cafe.

Adjoining Limestone Cafe Elara, you’ll find Barrett Street Park, equipped with a sway fun glider, outdoor ping pong table and small sandpit. This park is perfect for young kids.

Corner of Northbourne Drive and Donnelly Street park (adjoining Northbourne Public School)

Street parking available on Northbourne Drive, Donnelly Street, and Enmore Street.

This shout out goes to Kofi. I missed a local park in my write up, and from a comment shared on this article, I got the chance to visit yet another new park and playground in the Marsden Park area. Thanks Kofi!

Next door to the newly built Northbourne Public School, this park is a spacious playground, suitable for children of many ages. There are swings, a shade-covered slide, and a small trampoline loop.

There’s also a tall climb netting and sandpit with balancing logs.

For the fitness enthusiasts, a decent amount of outdoor exercise equipment is also available for your use.

Address
Marsden Park, New South Wales, Australia 2765

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