This is a ranking of every Rolleston playground. You see, I have four young children aged 4, 7, 10 and 12. We visited every playground in Rolleston (we could find) and offer our rating out of 10 for each with a comment from each child and me on what they liked or didn’t, and any special notes. We also took a photo that best represents each of the playgrounds. We have put them in ranking order from top to bottom.
Note: We decided not to visit or rate the open spaces that did not also have playground equipment or places that are private pre-schools (we did rate the primary schools though). Also at end have put names of others we have been told about but not yet visited…
Steven Moe
steven@theseeds.nz
1. Foster Park Playground here
The biggest playground has something for everyone ranging from large flying fox, drop slide, massive windy slide, toddler area, swings, spinning floors, mouse wheel and shading for picnics…
12 year old: 10/10 because I really enjoy the slide and the blue slide is now curvier and there are lots of things to do so it is good for everyone.
10 year old: 9/10 as so much (but I couldn’t do the spinning on the slide so I didn’t like that).
7 year old: 9/10 because I love everything.
4 year old: 10/10 because of the slide, and the other slide and the hamster wheel.
Parent: 10/10 yes – objectively have to admit that this is a world class playground and just has everything … toilets could be closer.
Total: 48
2. West Rolleston Primary School here
Impressive array of climbing frames and slides all in one place (tucked in behind school buildings so hard to see from road). Also basketball court and tennis court next to it.
12 year old: 9/10 as it has loads to do and I love the spinny things and it goes really tall.
10 year old: 10/10 because I love climbing stuff and there is lots to climb.
7 year old: 10/10 as there is so much to do.
4 year old: 10/10 because it is fun.
Parent: 8/10 as this had something for everyone all in one spot. Some activities were too advanced for the 4 year old so needed supervision and help.
Total: 47
3. Falcon’s Landing Park here
This looks really great but it is currently not yet open. Despite that it is going to be worth visiting when it is ready.
12 year old: 9/10 in anticipation as it looks great.
10 year old: 10/10 as I love scooting as it looks like you can scoot a lot there.
7 year old: 9/10 as it looks great but not been on yet so might not be as fun as it looks but I like the look of it.
4 year old: 10/10 as it has spinny thing and a red pole thing and slides
Parent: 8/10 this does look very good as it has a lot to do but I can’t rate it higher until it opens…
Total: 46
4. Acland Park here
This is a brand new park featuring some clever sand toys as well as slides and a spinning thing – notably next door to the bike pump track.
12 year old: 9/10 as I loved it a lot and there was a cute fort and the slide was really fast and it was just a really nice place.
10 year old: 9/10 because I liked all the things that were there and the slide was fun to climb up and I liked the fort.
7 year old: 9/10 because I liked the digger and the sand bucket.
4 year old: 9/10 as lots to do.
Parent: 9/10 as a great variety of things to do here and next to the bike track area too.
Total: 45
5. Bronte Way Playground here
This was about the biggest surprise of the day – this is actually the old playground that used to be at Levi Park! It is a very good one as caters for all ages and things to climb and explore. A hidden gem. The google image for this park is out of date – the above is what it looks like.
12 year old: 9/10 because I enjoyed the flying fox and it was a good park for everyone who goes there.
10 year old: 9/10 as it is just a really cool playground and it is from Levi Park and is fun.
7 year old: 8/10 as its good but I couldn’t get a push off with the flying fox and the monkey bars were slippery.
4 year old: 9/10 as there is lots to do and the monkey bars are almost the right height for me.
Parent: 8/10 This one is so hidden but has it all. Definitely worth checking out.
Total: 42
6. Acland park pump track here
A circular track that includes lots of ups and downs.
12 year old: 7/10 this looks cool and is surrounded by plants but it isn’t really my thing to do.
10 year old: 9/10 because I liked the bumps for jumping and getting air. And there was this thing when you finish you can go up it, and you can go down it.
7 year old: 8/10 as it is fun.
4 year old: 9/10 even I can go on this.
Parent: 9/10 if your kids love scooters, bikes or skateboards. The park right next door makes it fun.
Total: 42
7. Brookside Park here
Next to such a large park there is lots to do as well.
12 year old: 8/10 because I enjoy going on it with my friends but I usually take my shoes off and the bark is very spiky. The water fountain is fun and we got soaked before.
10 year old: 9/10 as lots to do and there is a fun seesaw and it is just fun.
7 year old: 10/10 as it’s just fun.
4 year old: 7/10 as a fun place
Parent: 8/10 because of the diversity and wide spaces
Total: 42
8. Rolleston Primary School here
[Photo to follow – one was not taken before lockdown…]
This is actually about 4 playgrounds – one is an adventure playground with flying fox, slides etc then there is a back fields playground with wide variety of things as well as a new entrants area too with tunnel, sand pit and slides.
12 year old: 7/10 because there is lots to do and I love the spinny things.
10 year old: 8/10 because there’s tons of things to do and it is just a really fun playground.
7 year old: 9/10 because all of the playgrounds they havve are really fun.
4 year old: 8/10 Lots and lots of things to do, which is really fun.
Parent: 8/10 Because of the spread out nature it’s hard to keep everyone happy here at one place. Individually the facilities are great though with big playing fields too.
Total: 40
9. Parekura Reserve here
Hidden back from the road don’t let that deceive you as there is a bit space with lots of hidden areas to explore as well as a water feature – the only one we found in Rolleston.
12 year old: 7/10 because of so much to do and there is also one of those water things where the water comes out.
10 year old: 8/10 because there are lots of things to do and it is generally fun.
7 year old: 8/10 as there is a hidden flying fox here that is really fun. In the bushes you can do lots of things too.
4 year old: 8/10 as I like the spinny thing.
Parent: 9/10 as it incorporates nature really well. I really like this spot.
Total: 40
10. Lemonwood Grove School here
Large space for playing – this is similar to West Rolleston school.
12 year old: 8/10 as it was fun going down the pipe slides and I liked the climbing but it just didn’t feel like a playground I’d want to go to all the time.
10 year old: 8/10 as its dangerous but fun and you can get hurt on lots of things eg pole slide and on the rock climbing thing of wood.
7 year old: 9/10 as lots to do but some of the things are hard.
4 year old: 8/10 as its fun but it’s dangerous as there are lots of things where you can fall.
Parent: 7/10 this is a good playground just didn’t feel the vibe or that kids were enjoying as other ones.
Total: 40
11. Highgate Reserve Playground here
The large field next to it gives options for fun and has a purple dinosaur for younger ones (our kids call it the Dinosaur playground). The field next to this is Highgate Reserve here.
12 year old: 8/10 because there is lots to do for every age and I really enjoy the rock climbing and fireman’s pole and the bridge and flying fox
10 year old: 8/10 because monkey bars and flying fox are fun and there is a surfboard thing which is fun too.
7 year old: 7/10 because I love it all.
4 year old: 9/10 because I like the rock climb and the monkey bars
Parent: 7/10 because there is a very big field right next to it which is really great for flying kites.
Total: 39
12. McDonalds playground here
A two story playground inside with slides and many tunnels through the levels to explore.
12 year old: 8/10 because when I could go on it I loved it so much because of the slide and how you can climb to the high parts. But it’s only for under 10s.
10 year old: 7/10 because I like heights and there is lots to do in it and explore and the slides are really fun.
7 year old: 9/10 because it’s fun. Extra duper fun.
4 year old: 9/10 I like it because of the fish and the airplane. And because it is really really big and has some things to play with on the wall.
Parent: 6/10 It’s an impressive structure and the only indoor one, but I feel averse to the subtle marketing that has sucked me in for the price of low quality food as the ticket to access this…
Total: 39
13. Woolshed Park here
One of the only ones with a theme, this has a silo and farm style wool shed with a slide and multiple activities as well as being next to a stream area and half court basketball.
12 year old: 6/10 because I absolutely love the slide but everything else is really small and I cannot go on it properly.
10 year old: 8/10 as lots of climbing here.
7 year old: 8/10 because I like everything on the playground except the monkey bars are too high to reach.
4 year old: 8/10 because lots of cool stuff to do and a firemans pole.
Parent: 8/10 I like the theme of this one which makes it unique and the stream nearby is peaceful with easy parking too.
Total: 38
14. Rolleston Community Centre playground here
This has probably the best flying fox in Rolleston as well as the largest skate park so for those who like things on wheels it’s essential.
12 year old: 6/10 as I don’t really enjoy it but I love the flying fox and the swings.
10 year old: 8/10 as I really like the scooter park area and the ladders are fun.
7 year old: 7/10 as I cannot do things on my scooter but the library is next door for books too.
4 year old: 8/10 I really like this flying fox,
Parent: 8/10 as great for scooters.
Total: 37
15. Hartford Crescent Playground here
A small little spot tucked away from anywhere.
12 year old: 7/10 because there is not much but you can have a lot of fun with what there is.
10 year old: 7/10 as not much here but you can find ways to do stuff with what there is.
7 year old: 6/10 because of the surfboard and the bridge and the spinny thing.
4 year old: 9/10 as there is lots to do for me.
Parent: 7/10 as it is tiny but pretty nice array of things to climb – the metal bridge for climbing over is particularly good.
Total: 36
16. Maltby Drive Playground here
A nice little playground that packs a lot in with slide, monkey bars, swing and climbing areas – particularly good for younger ones. Quirky fact: Two fig trees with lots of figs on them.
12 year old: 6/10 as it is really small but you can climb on it. This is really a little kids playground.
10 year old: 6/10 because everything is quite small but you can actually climb it.
7 year old: 6/10 because when I jumped on the bars I hurt my pinky.
4 year old: 10/10 because I can reach everything even the rings.
Parent: 8/10 especially for younger kids this has it all.
Total: 36
17. Clearview School here
Another school with a good variety and large fields and basketball courts.
12 year old: 7/10 as there are lots of options and I enjoy how it is bright colours.
10 year old: 5/10 as I just don’t like this as I get more sore hands here.
7 year old: 8/10 as I like all the things on the playground except once you’ve done everything it is kind of boring.
4 year old: 8/10 as there is a little playground for me.
Parent: 7/10 due to variety of age specific areas.
Total: 35
18. Navy Loop Exercise Park here
This has about 7 workout stations – not really a park but still fun to play on.
12 year old: 5/10 as I liked the spinning thing but it wasn’t really a playground. I liked the cat there.
10 year old: 8/10 as I liked doing the exercises and I like the cat (I named it polo).
7 year old: 7/10 as there are less things to do and no swing which is sad.
4 year old: 7/10 as I liked the running stepper.
Parent: 5/10 not really a playground but the kids did enjoy it anyway.
Total: 34
19. Faringdon Playground here
A few parts to this playground and right next to the shops.
12 year old: 6/10 as I like the slides and turny thing but you need someone to help turn it.
10 year old: 7/10 as the rock climbing is actually rocks.
7 year old: 7/10.
4 year old: 7/10 as just climbing frame.
Parent: 7/10 it’s pretty good and being by the shops is convenient.
Total: 34
20. Blue Jean park here
Tucked away this one has mini versions of most things found elsewhere although no monkey bars or climbing frame.
12 year old: 7/10 as I liked spinning on there and tunnel was cool.
10 year old: 7/10 because I liked the spinning and there was a bit of parkour.
7 year old: 7/10 as not much to do. And I didn’t try the spinny thing.
4 year old: 7/10 as small.
Parent: 6/10 a small place, not too bad but compared to others wouldn’t seek it out.
Total: 34
21. The Borough Green here
A small little park well suited for younger kids.
12 year old: 6/10 as for smaller kids but has a nice design.
10 year old: 7/10 as not much there but it looks cute.
7 year old: 6/10.
4 year old: 8/10 as fun things here.
Parent: 7/10 just a few things but good for younger ones.
Total: 34
22. Goulds Green here
Small and tucked away this is really a small sort of obstacle course.
12 year old: 6/10 as I enjoyed going on it and trying to go fast but after I finished there wasn’t anything else to do. Apart from swings.
10 year old: 8/10 as its challenging and there is a bell at the end so you can race.
7 year old: 7/10 as I love the obstacle course and at the end it is kind of like a slide and there are swings and it is kind of like Ninja Warriors on the obstacle course.
4 year old: 5/10 as it just has two things and I just played on the swings and I tried to that thing – the obstacle course – but I couldn’t.
Parent: 7/10 for a one off visit but not lots of variety.
Total: 33
23. Othello Drive park here
A small little park out of the way. We saw a cat here which skewed out the results.
12 year old: 4/10 as there is not much to do and quite plain.
10 year old: 5/10 as not much to do. Just a climbing frame and surfboard. Can we keep the cat?
7 year old: 9/10 because we saw a cat here.
4 year old: 9/10 as there is fun stuff to do.
Parent: 5/10 the cat skewed the opinions of some children here – this is an average playground but there is a nice open space nearby.
Total: 32
24. Parklane Park here
A small little spot more suited for little children.
12 year old: 4/10 as I like the round spinner thing but it is too small.
10 year old: 6/10 as it is quite small.
7 year old: 5/10 as the slide is too small but I like the stepping stones and spinner.
4 year old: 9/10 as I like the slide, spinner and stepping stones and can do everything here.
Parent: 6/10 This would be a good one for small children.
Total: 30
25. Lemonwood Park here
Very small but a nice little slide and a rock structure that can be climbed which is pretty unique.
12 year old: 5/10 as the slide doesn’t work well but the rock is fun.
10 year old: 5/10 as the slide is small but the rock is fun.
7 year old: 5/10 as I like the bee and the rock.
4 year old: 7/10 as I like the rock and slide.
Parent: 6/10 this is a nice spot to sit with some shade but doesn’t compare to others in terms of things to do.
Total: 28
26. Haremoor Way Playground here
Surprisingly large slide for a smaller playground that has swings and spinny things.
12 year old: 7/10 because while small it is really enjoyable.
10 year old: 6/10 as there isn’t much but what there is was fun.
7 year old: 4/10 because slides are not fast.
4 year old: 9/10 as I like the spinny thing.
Parent: 6/10 nice environment with benches and a green area as well, slide is impressive but not wide variety of things.
Total: 26
27. Levi Park here
This used to have a lot more but has been stripped back a lot, there is a tennis court though. What used to be here has been moved – see earlier!
12 year old: 5/10 the seesaw is nice but there isn’t much to do.
10 year old: 4/10 as there is not much to do.
7 year old: 5/10 as I like the seesaw.
4 year old: 6/10 as not much here anymore.
Parent: 5/10 This used to be amazing but has little here anymore although there is a tennis court.
Total: 25
28. Stonebrook Park Playground here
Very small with a slide and knots & crosses under that, with swings.
12 year old: 4/10 as it is good for smaller children.
10 year old: 4/10 as there are 4 things to do.
7 year old: 3/10 as so small.
4 year old: 5/10 as it is fun.
Parent: 4/10 much better to walk 100 metres down to the Wool Shed one.
Total: 20
29. Beaumont Park here
Has a very large climbing frame and some swings
12 year old: 2/10 because I don’t really enjoy playgrounds that don’t have a lot – but if you want to hang out with your mates and talk it’s good for that.
10 year old: 4/10 as it has three things, but you can also scooter around it which is fun.
7 year old: 5/10 because it doesn’t have much to do.
4 year old: 2/10 as it only has two things. Yeah. I like the climbing frame. There are swings too.
Parent: 3/10 because the climbing frame is huge but there isn’t much else.
Total: 15
30. Moreton Green here
A new tennis court but nothing else.
12 year old: 2/10 if for tennis.
10 year old: 3/10.
7 year old: 2/10.
4 year old: 1/10 as no playground.
Parent: 3/10 but if you like tennis it’s great.
Total: 11
31. Hardwell Way Reserve here
A lone climbing frame, admittedly high, is the feature here.
12 year old: 2/10 as there is not much to do here.
10 year old: 2/10 as just climbing frame.
7 year old: 2/10.
4 year old: 2/10 as just climbing frame.
Parent: 2/10 just one thing here.
Total: 10
32. Beaumont Swings here
Just two lonely swings
12 year old: 1/10 as not really much.
10 year old: 3/10 as you could ride down the steep part by this.
7 year old: 2/10
4 year old: 2/10
Parent: 1/10 as nothing here really.
Total: 9
By the way, have any of you seen this??
Not yet visited:
Fairfield Way Playground here
Sherborne Drive Reserve here
John Street Playground (older style playground)
Hamlet Reserve Playground (Casesar Cl/Juliet Pl) for smaller kids
Rolleston Reserve Junior Playground (Wordsworth St entrance)
Farringdon South (corner Lydiard Dr and Fairford St)
Where else am I missing?
steven@theseeds.nz
