Donald Playground and Train Park, Hammill Street, Donald
For a long time Donald was a very large rail centre where trains refueled and drivers changed over on the long trip between Melbourne and Mildura. To recognize the importance of rail to Donald, a steam locomotive was placed in a park near the railway yards for the enjoyment of the public. Many local children visit the train and play on it, while travelers passing through find it a great place to stop for a breather and let the children climb over it.
The train is an old J524 class steam locomotive and was built by Thompson Bros. Foundry in Castlemaine.
Further developments are already underway to extend the park into open display of carriages, trains and railway machinery that the public will be able to board and examine. A new "adventure" playground and BBQ have also been added to the park.
There is a historic farm machinery museum nearby in a reserve at the front of the showgrounds, adjacent the Borung Highway (the road to Charlton) at the north-eastern end of town which contains a collection of antiquated agricultural machinery and equipment, including a stump-jump plough, a grubbing machine and a horse-head winnower. The material is located in a shed with a wire front so it is possible to see inside without the display being officially opened, although it can be fully opened by appointment.
Review:
The starring highlights of this playground are the full size train (which you can enter the cabin) and some carriages. Even the toilets are made from a train carriage. The playground has a high wave slide, unusual metal climbing frame, inclined climber, medium wave slide, tunnel, shop front, monkey rungs, a quite long flying fox, horizontal bars and a see-saw you walk across to tip over. There is a large shelter with tables and BBQ, unshaded table and another shelter with tables. Minimal grassy area.
Photos:
Location
39 Hammill Street, Donald 3480 Map
