Best playgrounds in St Ives
Hassall Park is the top pick for a group with little and older kids, because it has the most climbing equipment in St Ives. Putarri Avenue Reserve suits toddlers and anyone who wants shade over the play area, and Lorraine Taylor Reserve is the one for accessible play. What separates these playgrounds is who the equipment is built for and how much of it sits in shade.
Quick picks
- Mixed ages: Hassall Park, with a climbing caterpillar and a rock climbing wall for older children.
- Toddlers and shade: Putarri Avenue Reserve, with toddler swings and undercover seating inside the play area.
- Accessible play: Lorraine Taylor Reserve, with an accessible carousel and softfall under the play area.
Hassall Park: the most climbing for mixed ages
- BBQ
- Parking
Hassall Park has the most climbing in St Ives. Older kids get a rock climbing wall, while the youngest have a baby swing and bouncing toys. In between sit a caterpillar climber with a mini stepping bridge, a climbing frame and slide, and a standard seat swing. Little children and older children both have something to do, so a family with a toddler and a primary schooler can stay in one spot. Unlike Putarri Avenue Reserve and Lorraine Taylor Reserve, the play equipment here has no shade over it, so visit early or bring a hat in the warmer months. The playground sits beside an adult fitness station, so parents can exercise while they watch.
Best for: Mixed-age groups who want climbing
Putarri Avenue Reserve: toddler swings and shade
- Shade
- Parking
If shade is the deciding factor, Putarri Avenue Reserve is the choice. The play area wraps around the looped bike track, and both seating areas inside it are undercover, so parents can sit out of the sun while children play. The swings cover a range of ages: two toddler swings, two swings for older children and a large netted circle swing. Playful animal sculptures sit within the play space. On-street parking is on Rosedale Road and Putarri Avenue.
Best for: Parents with toddlers who want a covered seat
Lorraine Taylor Reserve: accessible play for mixed abilities
- Accessible play
Lorraine Taylor Reserve is the St Ives playground to choose for accessible play. What sets it apart is the accessible carousel. Swings, multi-functional equipment and nature-based features sit around it. Softfall of rubber and mulch covers the ground under the play area. The playground suits a range of age groups and abilities, so children of different ages and needs can play side by side. Its shade and fencing aren't confirmed, so check on arrival if those matter to you.
Best for: Families who need accessible equipment
How the playgrounds compare
By area
Every playground in and near St Ives
The table compares every playground in and near St Ives on its equipment, ages, fencing, shade, toilets, parking and accessible play.
| Park | Fenced | Shade | Toilets | BBQ | Parking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.Hassall Park | – | ✗ | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| 2.Putarri Avenue Reserve | – | ✓ | – | – | ✓ |
| 3.Lorraine Taylor Reserve | – | – | – | – | – |
| 4.Barra Brui Reserve | – | – | ✓ | – | ✓ |
| 5.Lapwing Reserve | ✓ | – | – | – | – |
| 6.Memorial Avenue Reserve | – | ✓ | – | – | – |
| 7.Blackburn Park | – | – | – | – | – |
| Nearby, outside St Ives | |||||
| The Mall Reserve · St Ives Chase | ✓ | – | – | – | – |
How we picked
We looked at each playground's equipment by age, its fencing, shade, toilets, BBQs and accessible play. Where a detail is unknown, the table shows a dash rather than a guess, and a dash doesn't count against a park. Only the play area's own shade and fencing are counted; toilets anywhere in the park are.
FAQ
Is there a fenced playground in St Ives?
No St Ives pick has a fully fenced playground in the information we hold. Lapwing Reserve is listed as fully fenced with accessible gates, but it isn't one of the picks here, so check its entry in the table for the detail.
Where in St Ives does the play area have a roof or shade sail?
The play area at Putarri Avenue Reserve has seats with a roof over them. Hassall Park's climbing equipment has no shade over it, so visit early or bring a hat there. Memorial Avenue Reserve is listed with a shaded playground, though it isn't one of the picks.
Which St Ives playground is accessible?
Lorraine Taylor Reserve has an accessible carousel and softfall under the play area, and its playground suits a range of abilities. Accessible here means the play equipment itself, not the paths that lead to it.
What ages is Hassall Park's playground for?
Hassall Park's playground suits little children and older children. The caterpillar climber and baby swing are for the youngest, and the rock climbing wall is for older kids.