Partridge Way Reserve, Thornlie

What: Partridge Way Reserve
Where: 79 Partridge Way, Thornlie MAP
When: All year
Who: All ages
Cost: Free
Facilities: Play equipment with soft-fall and sand, lighting, park benches, shade, picnic tables, basketball hoop, cricket pitch, exercise equipment.

One of the reasons I started this blog was to be able to provide information on some of the lesser known local parks. Based on how quiet these parks are, they seem to be very under utilised but can offer some really great facilities.

I try to take my daughters out to nearby parks at least once or twice a week. It is a cheap way to get out of the house, and to a three year old, a park is a park. She doesn't mind how extensive or new the equipment is, she just wants to run around and have a play. There is no need to take her to a fancy indoor play centre, which can cost between $5 and $10 a visit, when there is a perfectly good (and free) park within walking distance.

Today we went out to Partridge Way Reserve in Thornlie.  I was completely blown away by the facilities provided at this park, and it looks like it has only recently been upgraded, so everything is new and tidy. 

Overall look of the playground. Lots of shade and mainly rope-net based equipment.

Lots of shade covering the half soft-fall / half sand playground

The bird nest swing was the favourite for the day

The sand pit side of the playground with more rope net climbing frames.

The hammock style swing was also a favourite

The park also features a basketball and netball hoop with paved area, a cricket pitch and an extensive internal footpath system. Across the oval, on the other side from the playground is a sheltered area with picnic tables. 

Cricket pitch with basketball court in the background

Picnic tables and more benches.

Obstacle course.

One of the unique features of this park is the obstacle course provided for exercise. While this feature isn't really kid-friendly, it's nice to see something a little different being offered.

I can't believe that we had the whole park to ourselves! We will definitely be making this one of our regulars.