We love a playground upgrade! Most are much-needed improvements that breathe new life into tired play spaces, and we're usually the first to get excited about them. We also like to think we're pretty good at finding the positives in every playground we visit.
But we'll admit, this is one "upgrade" that's left us feeling pretty disappointed.
Walter and Edith Denniss Park at The Entrance North has recently reopened with brand-new climbing equipment. And while the new playground is actually pretty good, there's one big problem: it's replaced one of the most unique and challenging playgrounds on the Central Coast with something that's, well, a bit ordinary by comparison.
So, if anyone from Central Coast Council happens to be reading this, could you please pass our feedback on to the powers that be? Because while we're all for improving playgrounds, we reckon this particular upgrade has meant losing something really special. And we'd pretty-please LOVE to see the old ninja course rebuilt somewhere else on the Coast!
Scroll down to see the new playground as well as photos of the original ninja course.
What's at the new playground?
Putting our disappointment aside for a moment, there's actually quite a lot to like about the new playground.
It's still very much designed for older kids, with a tall climbing wall, suspended stepping pods, rope bridges, monkey bars, hanging rings and climbing panels. There are plenty of opportunities to test your balance, build upper-body strength and challenge yourself.
We particularly like that children have to work out how to navigate the different obstacles. It's not simply a matter of climbing a ladder and sliding back down.
It's great for kids aged 7+ who enjoy climbing, hanging and testing their abilities. And had this playground opened somewhere else on the Central Coast, we'd probably be singing its praises!
But we can't help comparing it to what was here before. While the new equipment offers some fun climbing challenges, it doesn't have the same variety of unusual obstacles or that exciting ninja-course feel.
There's a second playground for younger kids, too!
As a bonus, there's also a smaller playground for younger children.
This smaller playground has a bright yellow slide, climbing wall, rope-net climbing equipment and swings. It's a space for younger children who aren't ready to tackle the bigger ninja-style challenges.
Having two playgrounds also makes the reserve a good option for families with children of different ages, with something to keep both younger and older kids entertained.
The only catch is that the two playgrounds are about 50 metres apart, which makes supervising kids in both areas a little tricky, particularly if you're visiting on your own with children of different ages.
A great spot for a family get-together in the cooler months! And keep on an eye out for the jewel bugs!
Beyond the playgrounds, this can be a great spot for a family picnic or get-together – particularly in the cooler months.
There's plenty of open grass, a covered picnic table, BBQ facilities, bins and a public toilet block. So you can settle in for a picnic or lunch while the kids enjoy the playgrounds.
There isn't a huge amount of shade though, so we prefer visiting this playground on wintry days when you're seeking sunshine. Come in the height of summer, and you'll bake.
And here's a little bonus we always love about this park: the beautiful Cotton Harlequin bugs!
We've spotted some absolutely gorgeously colourful jewel bugs in the trees and gardens here. We love looking out for them. It's one of those unexpected nature finds that makes this park visit extra fun.
Playground throwback! Here's what used to be here (and why we loved it!)
We couldn't update this review without giving the old ninja course a proper farewell.
It was one of those rare playgrounds that genuinely challenged kids. There were overhead rings, rotating wheels, a large climbing wall, rope climbs, suspended wobbly bridges. Kids could work their way around the course, challenging themselves to complete each obstacle without touching the ground.
And those rotating blue wheels! They looked like something straight out of Australian Ninja Warrior, and our kids absolutely loved them. They'd swing from one to the next, trying to keep their grip as the wheels twisted beneath their weight. They'd tackle them again and again, determined to make it just that little bit further.
It was physical, it was tricky, and it was so much fun.
We particularly loved that it wasn't something children could necessarily master on their first visit. They had to practise, build their strength and work out different ways of tackling the obstacles.
Our kids returned to this playground time and again, and it never seemed to lose its appeal.
So when we arrived to discover the entire course had been replaced, our kids were heartbroken.
We're really sad to see it go. The original playground was built by The Entrance North Progress Association and Central Coast Council, and we'd absolutely love to see a see a new version of it rebuilt somewhere on the Central Coast.
Our verdict
The new Walter and Edith Denniss Park playground is a good option for older kids who love obstacles and climbing. And with a separate playground for younger children, toilets, BBQs, picnic shelters and plenty of grass, it's a handy spot for a family get-together over the cooler months.
But we can't help feeling that this upgrade has been a missed opportunity.
We have no doubt that the old playground was due for a facelift and an upgrade – we're certainly not questioning that. We just wish the new design had retained the same level of challenge, excitement and originality that made the old ninja course so special.
Walter and Edith Denniss Park, The Entrance North
Ages: The main ninja playground is best for confident climbers aged approximately 7+. The separate smaller playground caters for toddlers and preschoolers.
Fenced: No. Roads run alongside the reserve.
Shade: No shade sails over the playground equipment. Established trees provide minimal shade in parts of the reserve.
Groundcover: Rubberised surfacing and mulch beneath the ninja course. Mulch beneath the smaller playground.
Facilities: Covered picnic tables, BBQs, bins, open grass and a few established trees.
Toilets: Yes, public toilet block within the reserve.
Parking: Street parking.
Location: Walter and Edith Denniss Park, 42-66 Hutton Rd, The Entrance North.
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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.
