Located at 55 Stanley Street, Chatswood, Bales Park Playground is a train lovers delight! Beloved by locals, particularly among mothers’ groups and families with toddlers and preschoolers, it’s a spacious and versatile playground that has something for everyone.
Named after Alderman Joseph Bales, a prominent figure in the area’s history who served as Mayor of Willoughby multiple times from 1931 to 1947, this sweet little gem has been recently renovated – here’s the overview!
Playground Equipment
Bales Park Playground has been recently renovated and thoughtfully designed to cater to children of all ages. The fully fenced playground includes a dual embankment slide, a wooden train complete with an engine and two carriages, swings, a spinner, a climbing frame, and a trike track. The wooden train is a favorite among children, offering endless fun as they climb, crawl, and sit at the little tables inside the carriages.
The playground also features a swing that can be operated with arm movements only, ensuring inclusivity for children with different needs. The sandpit is another popular spot, often stocked with toys and equipment left by the community for all to share.
- Dual embankment slide
- Wooden train with engine and two carriages
- Swings, including one that can be swung with arm movements only
- Spinner
- Climbing frame/monkey bars
- Trike track
- Sandpit (often stocked with community-shared toys)
Park Amenities and Facilities
Beyond the playground, Bales Park offers plenty of open space for other activities. The park backs onto a large oval, perfect for ball games, running around, or even flying kites. While the playground itself is well-shaded by large, mature trees, making it a comfortable spot even on sunny days, there are picnic tables and seats available for those who want to relax and enjoy a meal. However, it’s worth noting that the nearest public toilets are located in a building across the oval, which can be a bit of a trek, especially with young children in tow.
- Fenced playground
- BBQ facilities
- Seating and picnic tables
- Large oval for ball games, kite flying, and running around
- Street parking on Stanley Street and surrounding streets
- Toilets located in a building across the oval
- Natural shade provided by mature trees
- Level pathway access from Stanley Street to a bus stop on Fry Street (250m away)
Rich History
The land on which Bales Park now sits was once used as Chinese market gardens. In 1930, the area was transformed into a public space through resumption and private purchase, initially known as Central Park. In 1952, additional land was acquired to expand the park, creating the spacious, family-friendly area we enjoy today.
Getting There
Access to Bales Park is convenient, with entrances from Stanley Street, Ranelagh Crescent, and Sydney Street. For those using public transport, there’s a level pathway between the Stanley Street entrance and a bus stop on Fry Street, just 250 meters away, making it easily accessible for everyone.
RDM Rating
Age range: 3-12
Coffee close by: 0
Shade sail: 0.5 (mature trees)
Bike/scooter track: 1
Noteworthy feature/s: 0
Can host a party (BBQ, tables, toilets): 1
Fenced: 1
TOTAL: 3.5 / 6