Jells Park

Jells Park is one of the most popular parks in Melbourne, according to Parks Victoria. It covers 129 hectares and hosts 700,000 visitors a year. Apparently there are five playgrounds within the park; during our visit we played at two and saw three, but the park is so vast that I'm sure the other two were hidden there somewhere.

The main playground that we spent time at was called 'Yabby Hill' and is like a mini commando training exercise yard. There are rope nets to climb up and across, climbing walls to scale, poles to slide down and numerous beams and stepping poles to traverse. This structure is built out of treated pine and looks to have graced the area for a very long time. There is also a large, roofed lookout that gives lovely views out over the parklands.

The other main playground is called Stringybark Playground, which has three separate play units catering for toddler, junior and senior age groups. These are fairly standard affairs with the usual pole climbers, slides, swings and monkey bars. The trees provide some dappled shade during the morning, but both playgrounds are fairly exposed to the elements.

I'd love to see a bush-themed playground here that stimulates children's imagination and encourages a bit of creative play. The playgrounds that we visited were both fairly old and run down, but still quite serviceable. I just think that a park of the calibre of Jells Park deserves a really top-notch playground.

Jells Park has a 'carry in, carry out' policy, so remember to bring a bag to take any rubbish home. Also, dogs are welcome but must always be on a leash.