McAlpin Reserve Playground, Wonga Road, Ringwood North
A beautifully done upgrade which pays homage to the McAlpin orchard. Apples and pears, which would make the biggest fruit salad you've ever seen, scatter the playground area.
There are play structures for different aged children. The bigger and higher structure rises up to two levels high and has a twisty tunnel slide, big climbing wall, scrambling wall, dual wave slides, rope nets underneath, high rope tunnel bridge and big rope net ladder. This area also has a birds nest swing, stand-on spinner, skateboard springer, spinning carousel, percussion music area, in-ground trampoline and a hand pump which pumps water into a rocky creek bed. Logs cross the dry creek further downstream.
The smaller, lower structure has fruit boxes with music buttons leading to a rope bridge and a low structure with curved slide, tunnel, wide wave side, steering wheel and two sets of monkey bars. There is also a balance traverse with rocks, logs, thick rope and log beam, cute puppy springer, spinning cup, three standard swings, expression swing and lots of beautiful sculptures - look around and you'll find them.
A bike track with road markings and signs leads down a slight hill on the side of the playground area (a "Caution - Ibis" sign is needed judging by all the ibises on the road). This path joins to a network of asphalt paths through the reserve.
There are two shelters, each with a table, and water tap, toilets (lovely murals on the walls), unshaded table and BBQs.
Near the playground is a lovely pond (deep so I need caution) with water running out of a pipe, down a stream and into the pond which has a bridge and boardwalk and plenty of waterbirds.
Around the lake is a shaded table, unshaded table, shaded BBQ and water tap. Further back is a big grassy area dotted with trees which is a dog off-leash area.
Photos:
Location
73 Wonga Road, Ringwood North 3134 Map
