Best playgrounds in Strathfield South
Ford Park is the top pick for a playground in Strathfield South, and the one to choose for the youngest children. Bark Huts Park and Dean Reserve follow, each with a different strength: a big field beside the play area, or a climbing net for children aged 6 to 12. Fencing and shade are where they differ most.
Quick picks
- Best for little ones: Ford Park's play area is enclosed on every side, with a toddler swing.
- Room to run: Bark Huts Park's play area sits beside a large field for games.
- Older kids: Dean Reserve's climbing net is the draw for children in the 6 to 12 age group.
Ford Park for the youngest children
- Fully fenced
- Shade
- Toilets
- BBQ
- Parking
Ford Park is the choice for little children, because the play area is fully fenced and designed for them. A toddler-size swing sits beside an adult one, and a tower with a telescope gives children a lookout over the park. Shade and seating are close by, so a grown-up can keep an eye on the children from a shaded spot. The park sits on the Cooks River foreshore, and public toilets and BBQs are on site. Bark Huts Park has the flying foxes, but Ford is the better pick if a fully enclosed play area matters most.
Best for: parents of toddlers who want a play area with no open edges
Bark Huts Park for a big field and flying foxes
- Partly fenced
- Toilets
- BBQ
- Parking
Bark Huts Park is the one to choose when you want a big field beside the play area. Ford Park is built for the youngest, while this play area offers swings, slides, a climbing rope dome and a field for games right beside it. Young children need an adult close, since the gate has an open side onto a footpath that runs to the road. The toilets sit near the play area, and two BBQ spots have plenty of seating. Drivers can use the street parking on Elliot Street, and riders arrive along the Bay to Bay Cycle Way. It is rated 4.5 on Google (324 ratings).
Best for: families who want a big field beside the play area, with flying foxes and BBQs
Dean Reserve for children aged 6 to 12
- BBQ
- Parking
Dean Reserve suits the bigger kids, and its climbing net and flying fox are the main attraction. Unlike Ford Park and Bark Huts Park, its play area is built for older kids, and it stands on wet pour rubber. The reserve sits on the former banks of the Cooks River. Families can use the BBQ and picnic facilities, with shade cloths over the picnic spots. Drivers turn in from Dean Street to a small car park.
Best for: parents of children aged 6 to 12 who want a climbing net and a BBQ lunch
How the playgrounds compare
By area
Every playground in and near Strathfield South
The picks sit at the top of a ranked list covering the playgrounds in and near Strathfield South.
| Park | Fenced | Shade | Toilets | BBQ | Parking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.Ford Park | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 2.Bark Huts Park | Partly† | – | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3.Dean Reserve | – | – | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| 4.Cooke Park | – | – | ✓ | – | ✓ |
| Nearby, outside Strathfield South | |||||
| Rudd Park · Belfield | ✓ | – | ✓ | – | ✓ |
| Edwards Park · Strathfield | – | – | – | ✓ | – |
| Chain of Ponds Reserve · Strathfield | – | – | – | – | ✓ |
| Eccles Reserve · Belfield | – | – | ✗ | – | – |
† Fenced on some sides only; the park's section explains where.
How we picked
Our comparison covered fencing, shade, toilets, BBQs, accessible play and park size, along with the equipment and the ages each suits. Fully fenced play areas and shade scored highest, and a park needed enough known details to say something useful. Where we couldn't confirm a feature, the cell holds a dash, which never means the park lacks it.
FAQ
Is there a fenced playground in Strathfield South?
Ford Park has one: a fully enclosed play area built for little children. Bark Huts Park is gated as well, but the gate has an open side onto a footpath, so it is only partly fenced.
Which playground in Strathfield South has flying foxes?
Bark Huts Park has 2 flying foxes, with a field for games close by. Dean Reserve has one too, and its play area also has a climbing net for children aged 6 to 12.
Where can I park near the playgrounds in Strathfield South?
Cars for Ford Park go on James Street. Elliot Street has space for cars beside Bark Huts Park, and Dean Street leads to a small car park for Dean Reserve.
Do the playgrounds in Strathfield South have toilets?
Ford Park has toilets on site, and at Bark Huts Park they sit near the play area. Cooke Park's amenities block serves its playground as well.