In the height of summer it’s no fun visiting a playground that’s melting in the middle of a burned out patch of grass. Half the equipment is too hot to touch, parents spend the whole excursion fretting that everyone is frying, and kids perspire quicker than they can hydrate, which leads to lots and lots of whining. So heed our advice and head to the Jarrett St Playground where fully developed trees shade the entire play area.
This park is a little haven for under fives, with a bouncing two-seater grasshopper, half-bucket baby swing, petite climbing frame, slippery dips, and a giant xylophone that’s perfect for musical play. But it’s not just for toddlers – older kids will enjoy swinging on the monkey bars, testing their balance on the big-kid swings, and zipping along the mini flying fox.
It ain’t shiny and new – in fact it’s far from it. But this isn’t all bad: it means it’s often blissfully quiet, which makes for some lovely, low-key time with your kids. No crowds, no chaos.
A couple of years ago they replaced the mulch with softfall groundcover, which ensures your kids and car get far less messy than they used to get. That there is a bonus we know a lot of families will appreciate.
Right next to the playground is a big grassy oval just calling out for a game of soccer, cricket or tip. It’s the perfect setup – little ones play happily on the equipment while older kids burn energy on the field. Bring a ball and a snack and you’re all set for a cruisy afternoon.
Jarrett Street Playground, North Gosford
Ages: Toddlers, preschoolers and young children.
Fenced: No, but the play equipment is positioned a long way back from the street.
Facilities: Picnic tables and bins. No toilets sadly. No shade cloths, but the trees block the sun.
Tips: Soft-fall rubber is under the play equipment and mulch covers the remaining area, so enclosed shoes are best. Mosquitoes love this place post-rain.
Parking: Plenty of street parking.
Location: Jarrett St, North Gosford (between Bradys Gully Road and Glennie Street).
Looking for more parks nearby? Head over to the Alan Davidson Oval Playground in Wyoming – it’s a favourite with mini Playing in Puddles reviewers!
Header Image ©Playing in Puddles
This park review was first published in January 2018 and we gave it a full refresh in July 2025. Playing in Puddles’ park reviews are regularly updated as equipment and facilities are modified. If you’ve visited this park and something has changed, please do let us know by emailing [email protected].
Written By: KATIE STOKES
Founder & Editor
After working in print and online media for more than a decade, Katie launched Playing in Puddles in 2017. A mum of three young boys and local of the Central Coast, Katie loves discovering and sharing all that’s happening in our region.Â
