As a part of City of Newcastle’s Playground Replacement Program for 2023, Loch Ness Park Playground at Fletcher has been renewed and now features a large playground, the design of which was guided by the NSW Government Everyone Can Play principles. It features a total of 41 inclusive activities, split across two levels, suitable for all ages.
Situated in a peaceful bushland setting in the Hidden Waters Estate, Fletcher, the playground features a play tower with a climbing cube, three slides, a softfall slope with climbing ropes, a seesaw, swings and more.
Natural play elements include timber balancing logs and poles. The poles have handholds and footholds, allowing kids to jump and swing between them.
Kids can use their imaginations by playing in the pretend shop underneath the play tower and use their strength and skill on the ninja-style play gym which includes a rock-climbing wall.
There’s also a spinner located on the bottom level of the playground.
Once they’ve tired of the bottom level, little ones can make their way up the softfall slope to the top of the playground by way of the sandstone steps, climbing ropes or handholds and footholds.
On the top level there is a giant noughts and crosses, swings and a seesaw to keep them busy.
The swing set includes a spiderweb group swing, a regular child swing and a toddler swing.
Kids can race each other back down the slope on the double slide.
It’s a lovely, peaceful walk around the pond located in the park. Follow the concrete path almost all the way around (there’s a small section where you’ll need to walk on the grass to join up with the start of the path).
The walk is approximately 500m in length. There are park benches situated around the path to sit, relax and enjoy the peaceful surrounds.
Keep a close eye on little ones as the pond isn’t fenced.
Located opposite the playground, on the other side of the pond, is a timber jetty.
The jetty is mostly fenced, but there is a small section that opens onto the pond with steps leading down to the water so adult supervision and vigilance is required.
Bring a picnic lunch and sit at one of the two covered tables or throw a picnic blanket out on the grass or under the small rotunda.
Parking is on-street. The closest road to the playground is Loch Ness Drive, but there are concrete paths leading down to the park from Jetty Parade on the opposite side.
There are no toilets at Loch Ness Park but there are mozzies, so remember to pack bug spray. There’s a water fountain located near the playground as well as a garbage bin.
Good to know:
Ideal Age: All ages
Address: Loch Ness Drive, Fletcher
Parking: On-street, Loch Ness Drive
Public Toilets: No
Water Fountain: Yes
Picnic Facilities: 2 x undercover picnic benches
BBQ: No
Café Nearby: No
Accessibility: There are no accessible toilets or accessible equipment at this playground
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Meg is a born and raised Novocastrian whose interests include gardening, reading and writing poetry. In between writing for Newy With Kids and working as a School Learning Support Officer, Meg enjoys camping and travelling with her family and exploring Newcastle and all it has to offer. Meg has two energetic kids and is passionate about kids having the opportunity to be outdoors as often as possible.