Wally Tew Reserve Playground, Lyndale Court, Ferntree Gully
This wonderful play space with natural elements has a theme of "Forest Floor" and bugs have never been so interesting and fun. The centrepiece of the playground are two striking bug sculptures. One creature has a wooden shell and metallic lattice top which can be reached by a curved external ladder or a series of platforms and ladders inside the innards of the bug. Reach the top and you can slide back down to the forest floor in a metal tunnel slide. Another huge metal insect has climbing frames and a curved metal wing slide.
A sandpit runs along the central part of the playground and has a lovely metal digger (it looks like the Mercedes Benz of diggers) and a lovely curvy table for sand play. The sandpit is fringed by rocks and logs.
The central area also has a cone which spins around with the kids hanging on for dear life. The speed and consequently level of terror involved is dependent on how energetic Dad feels. A long ramp stretches the entire side of the playground and it contains lots of side amusements such as a wobbly walkway, little ladders, climbing wall, cubbies underneath, steering wheels, fireman's pole, a distorting mirror (which shows what you will look like if you don't get out and exercise by visiting lots of playgrounds) and a musical instrument made from pipes with clumps of metal nuts which can be moved upwards and dropped - whether this is music or loud noise depends on the ear of the beholder. The ramp also has three wonderful insect roofs of varying sizes.
There is a huge birds nest swing, standard swings (one with harness), see-saw, Liberty swing and flying fox with disk seat.
Something to consider is that metal gets hot when the weather is warm - those bugs could turn into fireflies. Ouch. Also the climbing equipment can be difficult for young kids since the gaps between steps is quite large.
Inside the fenced area is a shelter with two tables, water tap and some shaded and unshaded seats. Immediately outside the gates is a shelter with two tables and BBQ. Normally you go to a toilet to "spend a penny" but in this case you could equally go to admire the lovely carvings and artwork which form the toilet block and nearby windmill. There is also a large rotunda without any tables or seats, grassy area and an oval close-by.
The playground is located just in behind the Ferntree Gully Library and the Community Centre Arts Centre. Parking is available at a range of locations with access from Glenfern Road, Burwood Highway (entrance is opposite Aldi) or Lyndale Court.
This playground was upgraded in June 2015.
Photos:
Location
6 Lyndale Court, Ferntree Gully 3156 Map
